Coca-Cola has 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 Oreo x Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie features a red and black design with one chocolate Coca-Cola-flavoured Oreo wafer on one side and a red Golden Oreo wafer on the other. The cookies are filled with a creamy filling and popping candy, aiming to recreate the experience of drinking Coca-Cola. Meanwhile, the Coca-Cola x Oreo Zero Sugar offers the classic taste of Coca-Cola with hints of Oreo flavour, providing a unique beverage experience. Solange Grimard, senior marketing manager for Canada at The Coca-Cola Company, said: "The collaboration between Oreo and Coca-Cola is the perfect expression of the playfulness of Oreo and the real magic at the core of the Coca-Cola brand – and we couldn't be prouder to bring these new products and unexpected moments of connection to our Canadian fans." Sarah Au, marketing director of cookies at Mondelēz Canada, added: "We are constantly working to excite our Canadian consumers with unique launches and surprising experiences. This time, we're taking it a step further by celebrating the newfound bestie bond that Oreo and Coca-Cola share, bringing a twist on two classics to our fanbases across the country." Both products will be available in grocery and convenience stores across Canada starting next month. #CocaCola   #Oreo   #Canada

Starbucks has announced the appointment of Brian Niccol as its new chairman and CEO, effective 9 September 2024. Niccol, currently serving as the CEO of Mexican restaurant chain Chipotle, will take over the leadership from Laxman Narasimhan, who has stepped down from his role as CEO and board member with immediate effect. Until Niccol assumes his position, Rachel Ruggeri, Starbucks' chief financial officer, will serve as interim CEO. Meanwhile, Mellody Hobson, the current board chair, will transition to the role of lead independent director. Niccol has led Chipotle since 2018, following a successful career in the food and beverage industry. His previous leadership roles include CEO of Taco Bell from 2015 to 2018 and president of Yum! Brands from 2013 to 2015. Hobson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Brian to Starbucks...Brian is a culture carrier who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving innovation and growth. Like all of us at Starbucks, he understands that a remarkable customer experience is rooted in an exceptional partner experience. Our board believes he will be a transformative leader for our company, our people and everyone we serve around the world.” Niccol commented: “I am excited to join Starbucks and grateful for the opportunity to help steward this incredible company, alongside hundreds of thousands of devoted partners. I have long-admired Starbucks' iconic brand, unique culture and commitment to enhancing human connections around the globe." He continued: "As I embark upon this journey, I am energised by the tremendous potential to drive growth and further enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers and partners, while staying true to our mission and values”. Hobson added: “On behalf of the board, I want to sincerely thank Laxman for his contributions to Starbucks, and his dedication to our people and brand. In the face of some challenging headwinds, Laxman has been laser-focused on improving the business to meet the needs of our customers and partners. We all wish him the very best and know he will do great things in the future.” #Starbucks #CEO

National Beverage has announced the launch of a new flavour for its LaCroix Sparkling Water line: Strawberry Peach. This latest addition combines the flavours of strawberries and peaches, promising a fresh and sweet taste experience. National Beverage's spokesperson said: "Just imagine the joy of biting into both a juicy strawberry and a delectable peach – at the same time. This appetising combination delivers a fresh, fragrant and sweet taste." "LaCroix aspires to delight our loyal consumers with uniquely delicious taste and eye-catching packaging. Nothing brings us greater ‘bliss’ than delivering joy and good health throughout America with incomparable flavour and creative innovation." LaCroix Strawberry Peach will initially launch at select US retailers and will soon be available nationwide. #NationalBeverage #LaCroix #sparklingwater #US

JDE Peet’s announced that Luc Vandevelde stepped down as interim CEO and chairman of the board yesterday (12 August) due to "unforeseen matters". Vandevelde was initially announced as interim chief executive and chair in March and took up the position in April , replacing former CEO Fabien Simon. Peter Harf, JAB Holding Company's managing partner and chairman, will take over as interim chairman of the board immediately. Meanwhile, Scott Gray, chief financial officer of JDE Peet’s, will also assume the role of interim CEO. Vandevelde will join JAB as a senior advisor focused on the FMCG sector. In April, JDE Peet’s began searching for a permanent CEO, considering both internal and external candidates. This process is nearly complete, and the company plans to update the market later this year. Harf said: “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Luc for his tenure with JDE Peet’s, from lead independent director at the time of our listing to chairman and interim CEO. Although he can no longer dedicate the time necessary for an executive role at JDE Peet’s, we are pleased that Luc will advise JAB on its FMCG investments with the time he does have available." "JAB has strong conviction in the long-term growth prospects of JDE Peet’s, and we are fully committed to our investment in the world’s leading pure-play coffee and tea company.” #JDEPeets #CEO

Trail mix brand Kar's Nuts has announced the launch of a new co-branded line of trail mixes in partnership with M&M’s, expanding its product offerings in the competitive snack market. The two new mixes, Kar's Caramel ‘N Chocolate with M&M’s and Kar's Favorites Mix with M&M’s, are now available nationwide at select retailers. The Kar's Caramel ‘N Chocolate combines M&M's Caramel and Milk Chocolate Candies with roasted and salted peanuts and crunchy butter toffee peanuts, delivering a sweet and salty flavour profile that appeals to a wide range of consumers. Meanwhile, Kar's Favorites Mix features a blend of M&M’s Milk Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Peanut Candies, alongside roasted and honey-roasted peanuts and tart dried cranberries, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness. Jennifer Bauer, chief marketing officer of Second Nature Brands, said: "The sweet and salty fusion of flavours has always resonated with snack lovers, and these unique mixes combine the best of both worlds". This partnership with Mars, the parent company of M&M’s, is expected to enhance Kar's market presence and attract both existing fans and new customers. The introduction of these mixes comes at a time when the snack industry is witnessing a growing demand for innovative and convenient snack options. According to market research, the trail mix segment has been expanding steadily, driven by consumer preferences for healthier snacks that do not compromise on taste. The combination of familiar candy flavours with the nutritious profile of nuts positions these products well within the current market trends. Second Nature Brands, the parent company of Kar's Nuts, manages a diverse portfolio of snack brands, including Second Nature Snacks, Sahale Snacks, Sanders Chocolates and Brownie Brittle. #confectionery #snacks #trailmix

🍩 Krispy Kreme has refreshed its doughnut offering in the UK, with a new line-up featuring eight brand-new recipes. 🍓 Firstly, Strawberry Sprinkles features the brand’s most popular Original Glazed doughnut, hand-dipped in strawberry-flavoured icing and finished off with rainbow sprinkles. The next in the line-up, Cinnamon Swirl, combines a classic ring doughnut, hand-rolled in cinnamon sugar while still hot, and finished with cream cheese-flavoured frosting. 💙 Tapping into F&B trends, Krispy Kreme has also launched the bubble tea-inspired Blueberry Bubble Bliss doughnut, topped with blueberry icing, lychee-flavoured frosting and a scattering of blueberry-flavoured bubbles. The range also includes a new Strawberry Sundae double-filled doughnut, with a smooth strawberry and Kreme blend, topped with delicate strawberry icing and finished with a drizzle of white chocolate coating. 🍫 Next up, White Marble Chocolatta is hand-dipped in a creamy white chocolate coating and swirled with milk chocolate marbling – its light, airy dough partners well with the rich, indulgent topping. Also in the new range is a vegan doughnut, Salted Caramel Sensation, which is filled with rich, salted caramel and creamy Kreme, dipped in caramel-flavoured icing and sprinkled with honeycomb. 🍋 Penultimately, Lemon Meringue Monster is a zesty doughnut tapping into increasing demand for citrus-flavoured treats, hand-dipped in lemon-flavoured icing, scattered with melt-in-the-mouth meringue pieces and finished with sugar eyes. Finally, Trip Choc Indulgence is filled with a chocolatey brownie cream and covered in silky-smooth chocolate icing. The new line-up is part of Krispy Kreme’s shift to make the brand more distinctive, with the majority of the new range being ring-based doughnuts. “What makes Krispy Kreme distinctive is of course the Original Glazed,” the brand said in a statement. “The shift to ring-based with piped toppings improves visual appeal, highlighting the care and attention paid by our hand-finished doughnuts.” The new range launched today in Krispy Kreme stores across the UK. #KrispyKreme #UK

Krispy Kreme has announced the opening of its first Moroccan location, in partnership with franchisee Americana. The new shop will serve fresh Original Glazed doughnuts and coffee daily. The announcement follows Krispy Kreme's recent plan to enter the Spanish market through a new joint venture with Glaseadas Originales , which is set to launch in 2025. This opening aligns with Krispy Kreme’s strategy to expand its global presence through its "capital-efficient hub and spoke model". According to the company, Morocco was chosen due to its dynamic economy and the consumption habits of its population. Raphael Duvivier, chief development officer at Krispy Kreme, said: "Our decision to enter the Moroccan market is part of our broader expansion strategy in the Middle East and North Africa region. We know our iconic doughnuts and coffee will add an extra touch of joy to Moroccan consumers and bolster our presence in this crucial market." The Moroccan shop will offer 12 doughnut varieties, including Original Glazed, chocolate, fruit and hazelnut options, as well as gluten-free and vegan choices. Unique flavours inspired by Moroccan tastes include caramel, cinnamon and lemon dream doughnuts. The shop will also serve a variety of beverages, including 100% Arabica coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, teas and fruit frappes. The Moroccan location will feature Krispy Kreme’s Hot Light shop concept, also known as 'Theatre Shop,' allowing customers to watch doughnuts being made and glazed in real-time. Krispy Kreme will work with Moroccan suppliers for many of its ingredients and materials, "fostering sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with local communities and producers," said the company. #KrispyKreme #Doughnuts #Morocco

UK-based water company Kissd has introduced a new smart fountain designed to enhance water quality with advanced filtration technology. According to the company, in November 2023, Kissd began developing the Kissd Smart Fountain to address the need for convenient refill stations in travel retail and leisure centres. The fountain features an IP-protected design that provides chilled, ultra-filtered water. It removes viruses, bacteria and particles, while an Activated Carbon filter eliminates chlorine, pesticides and unpleasant tastes. A high-intensity UV treatment further purifies the water. It offers still or sparkling water, with options for unflavoured or micro-dosed with flavours. Joshua Burgess, founder of Kissd, commented: "Kissd is taking a giant leap forward, and is thrilled to announce that they are now raising SEIS & EIS investment. Following the swift uptake of their first production of smart fountains since the launch just a month ago, we are ready to scale up and bring the cutting-edge hydration solutions to more locations." The first installation took place at Orly Airport in Paris in June 2024, in partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail. Following this, plans were made for ten additional installations in 2024. #Kissd #water

US-based milk alternatives brand Mooala has unveiled its latest innovation, an organic barista blend oat milk. The barista blend aims to offer ‘elite’ performance including steaming and frothing qualities, as well as a creamy taste without the inclusion of chemical additives. It is designed to offer a ‘rich, velvety foam,’ whether using a handheld frother or a barista-grade steamer. It has launched at select Whole Foods Market locations and via Amazon, available in a 32oz carton. All of Mooala’s plant-based milks are certified USDA-organic, meaning they are made without GMOs, herbicides, preservatives and other chemical ingredients. The brand said it places a ‘strong focus’ on regenerative farming in the making of its range, which is crafted using organic oats and expeller-pressed, high-oleic organic sunflower oil. Jeff Richards, Mooala’s CEO, commented: “Barista oat milks try to mimic how dairy milk froths and steams. To accomplish this, most brands use low-grade oils and chemicals to achieve the desired performance. We spent years crafting an organic version without the scary stuff.” He added: “Now, baristas and at-home consumers don't have to choose between ingredient quality and exceptional performance”. Top image: © Mooala #Mooala

UK-based coffee roaster Limini Coffee has secured exclusive UK distribution rights for Advanced Coffee Solutions' (ACS) new Vostok espresso machine from Italy. The partnership with Italian manufacturer ACS is said to mark a "milestone" for both companies as they introduce "an innovative coffee experience to the UK market". The Vostok machine features a spring lever system that delivers declining pressure, resulting in smoother, more flavourful espresso shots. The machine also includes precise dual boiler temperature control. Users can opt for additional features, such as a dosing system for exact shot volumes and a safety mechanism to prevent lever bounce-back. As the exclusive UK distributor, Limini will offer comprehensive support to customers, including training, maintenance and repair services. Youri Vlag, owner of Limini Coffee, said: “We are happy to be introducing the Vostok to the UK coffee community and giving our customers – and their customers – a next-level coffee experience. This machine represents the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and we believe it will transform the way baristas craft espresso.”    #LiminiCoffee #AdvancedCoffeeSolutions #UK

Kind Snacks has launched a new line of soft-baked bars for kids. The Kind Kids range is available in two flavours: chocolate chip and blueberry muffin. The bars are made with 100% whole-grain oats and without artificial flavours or colours. Kind's spokesperson told Refreshment: “As families prepare for the back-to-school season, Kind is excited to introduce a new snack that fills a crucial gap in kids' bars – one that balances both taste and nutrition". "Made with 100% whole grain oats and 5 grams of protein per bar, and coming in two delicious, classic flavours – chocolate chip and blueberry muffin – Kind Kids is a snack that parents will feel good about packing and kids will love.” The bars are available in US stores nationwide and on Amazon for $4.99. #Kind #US #snackbars

Foodservice Equipment Marketing (FEM) has unveiled two new additions to its water dispenser range: the Cornelius PearlMini and PearlMax5. Designed to cater to diverse environments, these dispensers provide a choice of chilled still, medium-carbonated and fully carbonated water. According to the company, their sleek, modern design prioritises hygienic water delivery with minimal noise, making them ideal for sensitive areas such as offices, hotel corridors and lobbies. The PearlMini, distinguished by its sleek silver finish, delivers up to 120 litres of water per hour. It operates in ambient temperatures up to 32ºC and features an electronic display available in 13 languages. Its compact dimensions include an easily removable drip tray and a water level indicator. Meanwhile, the PearlMax5, with its modern black design, also offers an output of 120 litres per hour and can be fitted with an optional base cabinet for additional equipment such as water filters and CO2 bottles. This model features an adjustable dispense height of up to 70mm. It includes electronic filter monitoring, an integrated AquaStop function to manage leaks and supports portion dispensing. The PearlMax5 boasts a low energy consumption rate of 0.12kWh per day. Top image: Cornelius PearlMini #FEM #waterdispensers