Keurig has launched the K-Brew+Chill, a new coffee maker that uses the company's patented Quick Chill Technology to brew coffee 100 degrees cooler than previous models. In addition, the brewer also offers the option to brew hot coffee using any K-Cup pod. Keurig developed this product based on extensive consumer feedback, identifying that 60 degrees is the ideal temperature for iced coffee. The machine brews iced coffee in under three minutes, meeting the demand for both speed and versatility. The K-Brew+Chill features a patent-pending cooling system that uses aluminium coils to transfer hot coffee through a thermoelectric-cooled 'chamber,' chilling it to below 60 degrees before dispensing. According to the company, t his product launch comes as cold coffee continues to dominate the market, with 70% of coffee shop purchases being cold beverages. The machine allows consumers to make cold coffee at home more affordably, with compatibility across a range of K-Cup pods. Top image: © Keurig Dr Pepper #Keurig #coffeemachine

British supermarket giant Waitrose has revealed plans to open up to 100 convenience shops across the UK over the next five years. The initiative will see the firm inject £1 billion over the next three years into new stores and improvements to 150 existing shops, which make up almost half of its estate. James Bailey, executive director for Waitrose, said: “The groundwork we have undertaken behind the scenes in recent years means we can now focus on growth through new shops and ensuring our existing ones are providing great shopping experiences that match the quality of our products”. The company's John Barnes store in Finchley Road, London, will test new concepts as part of the investment programme. The Finchley Road shop, as well as two more across the UK (Suffolk and Maidenhead) will be used to trial new services, product offerings and concept upgrades over the next 12 months before a new blueprint for Waitrose shops is revealed in 2025. Through the investment, Waitrose will upgrade its service counters and give greater prominence to its wine selection – Finchley Road is the first Waitrose to feature an entirely chilled department for white wine, champagne, rose and beer. It will also bring greater flexibility to respond to local demand, with more space given to top sellers, as well as bringing more opportunity for third-party collaboration. The new stores will also provide more dedicated space for on demand grocery orders – Finchley Road is the first Waitrose shop to feature a hatch, which allows riders to make collections outside of the store’s opening hours. John Lewis says this store will be the ‘first UK supermarket’ to have a dedicated internal space for on-demand grocery collections, created due to the increased popularity of orders through Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Under this plan, Waitrose expects to open its first new store in six years in Hampton Hill, London, later this year, and a second in Greater London early next year. “The transformation of our Finchley Road store marks the next evolution of our journey to create a great shopping experience for our customers, underpinned by a high-quality product offering tailored to the local area, and the quality service we are synonymous with,” Bailey continued. “In designing the store, we have taken time to understand how our customers like to shop and used this knowledge to introduce new concepts that will be tested and rolled out nationally as we continue to work towards the Waitrose of the future.” The supermarket giant says that the convenience store will “trigger one of its biggest periods of expansion” as it looks to reach more customers. Nish Kankiwala, CEO of the John Lewis Partnership, commented: “Our investment in our Waitrose store portfolio is already yielding strong results, with customers responding positively. As our retail-driven plan continues to gain traction, our growing number of shoppers and increasing customer satisfaction scores are clear indicators of its success. This is a result of our unrelenting focus on improving the customer experience of our retail businesses, taking the love that exists for both brands and making sure customers are rewarded with better shops, the highest quality products, and the best service.” #Waitrose   #JohnLewis   #UK   #retail

Nespresso USA is launching its first line of honey products, made from the same coffee plants used for Nespresso coffee. These new offerings, known as Nespresso Bloom, reflect the brand's shift toward regenerative agriculture practices. The initial offerings in the range include Coffee Blossom Honey, which is a raw honey featuring a delicate floral flavour complemented by smooth caramel and vanilla notes. According to the company, this honey is ideal for enhancing the flavour of Nespresso coffee or for drizzling over foods like affogato, yogurt and whipped ricotta. Meanwhile the Coffee Blossom Honey Syrup is a blend of the Coffee Blossom Honey with Nespresso coffee to create a syrup that adds a refined coffee flavour with velvety caramel and vanilla notes. Nespresso said that this syrup is designed to enhance a variety of recipes, including macchiatos, espresso martinis and waffles. Alfonso Gonzalez Loeschen, CEO of Nespresso North America, said: "Supporting responsible practices in coffee farming has always been part of Nespresso's DNA, and this pilot is a result of how sustainability is fueling our innovation strategy. Our job is to protect the future of coffee while delivering a differentiated and superior coffee experience, which is what we know our customers are excited by. Nespresso Bloom is just that, as a first-of-its-kind offering for us."  The Nespresso Bloom products are available exclusively at Nespresso Boutiques in New York City and San Francisco. From 21 August, Coffee Blossom Honey and Coffee Blossom Honey Syrup will be available nationwide on via   the   brand 's website. Due to the limited size of the first harvest, quantities are restricted. #Nespresso   #US

US-based fresh meal delivery provider FreshRealm has announced plans to expand its footprint in Montezuma, Georgia, creating over 300 new jobs. FreshRealm is a ‘food-as-a-service' company offering a nationwide, end-to-end platform optimised for fresh food. Its solutions span various food industry segments, serving customers and partners in grocery, foodservice, hospitality, direct-to-consumer, medical meals and more. The move – the result of a $6.3 million investment – will add enhancements and several new lines to its Montezuma site, allowing FreshRealm to provide a full assortment of products, including ready-to-heat and ready-to-cook meals and meal kits to customers in the region. Snow Le, president of FreshRealm, said: “FreshRealm is building the most optimised fresh food platform in the world, so that everyone, every day, everywhere can enjoy fresh food. Montezuma is an excellent location for us to strategically reach the entire US, especially the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. We are proud to be expanding our operations in Georgia, a state with great fiscal strength and a clear dedication to businesses and communities.” FreshRealm collaborated with Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) global commerce team on this project in partnership with the Development Authority of Macon County, Georgia Power and Georgia Quick Start. GDEcD commissioner Pat Wilson commented: “A project of FreshRealm’s scale creates hundreds of jobs for families in Montezuma, Macon County, and communities in the surrounding region. FreshRealm’s investment is a continuation of Montezuma’s agricultural and food processing legacy that is shaping the future of these communities.” #FreshRealm #US #fooddelivery

The World Coffee Innovation Awards are back for 2024, and the FoodBev Awards team is thrilled to introduce the next of its esteemed panel of judges! Meet Nicole Battefeld-Montgomery, new to the judging panel this year. Read on to find out what Nicole will be looking out for this year... As a four-time German Coffee Champion and a World Coffee Competition coach, I’m thrilled to be part of the upcoming awards, where we’ll celebrate the best and most innovative developments in our industry. With over a decade in speciality coffee and nearly two decades in hospitality, I’m particularly excited to explore the entries across several categories that reflect my passion and expertise. In the 'Best Product' categories, I’ll be focusing on new product developments, especially in milk alternatives, as they are transforming the coffee experience for many. I'm eager to see advancements in barista tools and equipment and manual coffee machines that push the boundaries of craft and precision. I am also particularly interested in the incorporation of modern software in traditional coffee-making hardware. For the 'Best Innovation' awards, I’ll be looking for groundbreaking ideas in brewing and roasting innovations that enhance both quality and sustainability. Packaging and technology advancements, particularly in water filtration, are also crucial areas where I expect to see significant contributions that address environmental challenges. In the 'Best Business' category, my focus will be on sustainable and ethical initiatives. As the industry moves towards more responsible practices, it’s essential to recognise businesses that are leading the way in these areas. Start-ups that are introducing innovative solutions and sustainable models are of particular interest to me, as they represent the future of coffee. I’m looking forward to reviewing entries that demonstrate creativity, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence in coffee. Descriptions that clearly outline these aspects, along with high-quality photos, will be key to catching my attention. Learn more about FoodBev's awards and our 2024 World Coffee Innovation Awards by visiting the FoodBev Awards website.

Seven & I, the parent company of convenience store giant 7-Eleven, confirmed yesterday (19 August) that it has received a preliminary takeover offer from Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT). According to Reuters, the proposal is to buy the entire company, according to two sources familiar with the matter, and the bid, if successful, would be the largest-ever buyout of a Japanese firm from an overseas company. In a statement, Seven & I said: “The board of directors of the company [Seven & I] has formed a special committee of the board of directors, comprised solely of independent outside directors, led by Stephen Hayes Dacus, as chairperson of the board of directors, to review the proposal...the special committee intends to conduct a prompt, careful and comprehensive review of the proposal, the company’s [Seven & I's] stand-alone plans and other alternatives for enhancing corporate value, after which a response will be made to ACT.” While the outcome of the bid is unknown, news of it sent shares of Seven & I surging by around 23% in Tokyo, valuing the company at around JPY 5.6 trillion (approx. $37.92 billion). 7-Eleven is said to be the ‘world’s largest’ convenience store chain with approximately 83,485 locations in 17 countries. ACT, which operates Circle-K convenience stores, is valued at around $58 billion and operates over 16,700 convenience stores in 29 countries and territories. Seven & I's statement concluded: “Neither the board of directors nor the special committee has made any determination at this time to either accept or reject the proposal from ACT, to enter into discussions with ACT or to pursue any alternative transaction”. Top image: ©7-Eleven #7Eleven #CircleK #SevenandI #AlimentationCoucheTard #Canada #Japan

Ready-to-eat bakery brand Café Valley has expanded its partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), with the launch of new mini cupcake flavours inspired by two of the company’s beverage brands. The new cupcakes, in 7Up and Crush Orange flavours, were crafted to tap into increasing demand for innovative flavours and convenient dessert options. The 7Up mini cupcakes capture the drink’s original lemon-lime flavour in the sponge and are topped with creamy vanilla icing and finished with a dusting of crystal sprinkles in the brand’s signature yellow and green colours. Crush Orange Flavored Soda mini cupcakes offer an orange soda-flavoured cake, topped with orange-coloured icing and orange crystal sprinkles. Brian Owens, CEO of Café Valley, said: “Since their debut in the spring of 2023, Café Valley's line of mini cupcakes has seen remarkable success, reflecting the excitement for bite-sized, sweet treats. With a strong partnership already established with Keurig Dr Pepper, introducing mini cupcakes is a joyful addition to our existing soda-flavoured baked goods.” This is not 7Up's first foray into the food sector. In June, the soft drink brand unveiled an exclusive three-piece barbecue condiment range in the UK , developed in partnership with Twisted. The collection draws inspiration from 7Up’s lemon and lime flavours and includes a ‘Zesty Mayonnaise’, ‘Zingy Hot Sauce’ and ranch-style ‘Tangy Salad Dressing’. Similarly, last week, beverage giant Coca-Cola teamed up with Mondelēz International-owned brand Oreo  to introduce two limited-edition products in Canada: the Oreo x Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie and Coca-Cola x Oreo Zero Sugar. The mini cupcakes are expected to enhance the brand's market presence and are available to purchase in select US retailers now. #CaféValley #KeurigDrPepper #7Up #US

Palantir Technologies, a provider of AI systems, and Wendy’s Quality Supply Chain Co-op (QSCC) have announced a new partnership aimed at advancing digital transformation and AI integration within QSCC's operations. The partnership will upgrade QSCC’s supply chain network through AI-driven automation and create a connected ecosystem of Wendy’s suppliers, distributors and restaurants. The digital transformation is expected to deliver cost savings and operational efficiencies, benefiting all Wendy’s operators. QSCC, which is said to be the second-largest purchasing cooperative in the quick-service restaurant sector, supports over 6,400 Wendy’s locations in the US and Canada. Initially, QSCC will use Palantir’s AIP to enhance decision-making speed and scale. The platform will integrate various data sources into a single common operating picture, allowing users to make informed decisions and develop custom applications. In the second phase, QSCC will use Palantir AIP for supply chain management and waste reduction, including Dynamic Inventory Management, Variance and Gain Information for Restaurants and Demand Deviation Analysis. Palantir’s software will apply advanced AI to optimise operations, improve data security and enhance efficiency across the supply chain. Pete Suerken, QSCC president and CEO, said: “Together with Palantir, we’re unlocking the inherent power of the supply chain ecosystem to drive new and compelling sales and operating efficiencies that will provide Wendy’s with a distinctive edge in the industry. The sophisticated and nimble AI-powered planning and fulfilment system we’re developing will serve as the cornerstone for our state-of-the-art interconnected network.” Ted Mabrey, head of global commercial at Palantir, added: “We’re proud to partner with Wendy’s QSCC and support the co-op’s digital transformation for the benefit of restaurant operators, suppliers and distributors alike. Our AI operating system powers many of America’s most important companies, giving them a technology-driven competitive advantage and we are excited to continue to grow in the QSR sector with this iconic brand and an ambitious vision.” #PalantirTechnologies #Wendys

Chopstix, the UK’s largest Asian-inspired quick service restaurant (QSR) brand, is taking its first step into retail with the introduction of its new ‘Wok Pot’ cooking sauce range, now available in over 500 Iceland and Food Warehouse stores nationwide. This launch, developed in collaboration with AAK Foods and Brandship, allows consumers to recreate signature flavours from the beloved QSR brand in their own kitchens. The ‘Wok Pots’ come in two popular variants: Sweet & Sour and Teriyaki. Priced at £2 per box, the Sweet & Sour sauce offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet notes, while the Teriyaki sauce provides a rich, savoury taste, catering to fans of Chinese cuisine. Elio Elia, head of product at Chopstix, said: "We’re delighted to bring this range of cooking sauces to supermarket aisles across the country, giving Chopstix fans an opportunity to recreate our much-loved dishes at home." He added: "Launching in retail is a crucial step in our ambition to expand the Chopstix brand and its signature flavours to even more people in the UK". Founded in 2002 by Sam Elia and Menashe Sadik, Chopstix has rapidly expanded, currently operating over 150 QSR sites across the UK. The introduction of the ‘Wok Pots’ is expected to enhance brand awareness and drive sales as the company continues its growth trajectory. #Chopstix #QSR #AKKFoods #cookingsauces #foodservice #retail

Flow Beverage Corp has announced the introduction of a new line of mineral spring sparkling water. Available in 300ml aluminium bottles, the sparkling water will be available in four flavours: original, blackberry + hibiscus, lemon + ginger and cucumber + mint. The beverage is free from sugar and calories, catering to the growing demand for health-conscious options. Flow's founder and CEO, Nicholas Reichenbach, said: “This launch represents the next step in our evolution, enhancing our product portfolio with a sustainable and innovative offering that caters to the growing demand for premium, health-conscious beverages". He continued: "Our new aluminium bottles not only deliver a high-end design experience but also support our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility as the highest-scoring B Corporation in the water industry, as they are made from 70% recycled aluminium, use 30% less aluminium than competing formats and require 60% less energy to produce than traditional cans and bottles, thus reducing carbon emissions. This ties into Flow’s overall commitment to operating carbon neutral and reducing emissions across our supply chain.” In addition, the company said that the launch also signifies an expansion of Flow’s co-packing business, with the installation of a new production line that will allow the company to pack its aluminium bottles and offer co-packing services for other brands. This new product line will debut in Canada in October, with a US launch planned for the months that follow. #FlowBeverage #Canada #water

Smeg has launched its new BCC13 bean-to-cup espresso machine with automatic frothing. Smeg BCC13 offers a built-in coffee grinder and a one-touch system for preparing ten different coffee drinks, including milk-based options and hot water. It features a dual thermoblock heating system for fast brewing, a 47oz removable water tank and a 5.3oz bean container. The machine, available in matte white and matte black, is set to arrive at premium retailers by the end of the month. #Smeg #espressomachine

UK coffee retailer Roasting Plant Coffee has completed a £7.9 million ($10 million) oversubscribed funding round. The investment will drive the company's growth and innovation, including enhancements to its Javabot Coffee System and the opening of new stores in the US and UK. The funding comprised 40% from existing shareholders and 60% from family offices. This capital will be used to refine the Javabot system, which roasts and brews coffee on-site, and to expand Roasting Plant’s retail footprint in Washington DC, New York, Chicago and London over the next 18 months. Roasting Plant Coffee operates 15 roastery cafes across the US and UK. The company's proprietary Javabot system is developed and manufactured at its RP Labs facility in the US. According to the company, the Javabot coffee system is distinctive for its in-store micro-batch roasting. Roasting Plant Coffee's CEO, Jamie Robertson, said: "We are thrilled to have secured this significant investment which will help us take Roasting Plant Coffee to the next level in the US and UK. Our mission is to provide the freshest coffee possible, roasted and brewed to order by the cup, and this funding will allow us to share our Just-Roasted passion with more coffee lovers.” #RoastingPlantCoffee #UK #US