UK bakery Cornish Bakery has secured a funding package from Virgin Money to support its expansion plans, as the company aims to double its number of locations this year. Founded in 1987 by Steve Grocutt, Cornish Bakery currently has over 60 locations across the UK and employs more than 630 staff. The company is known for its handmade Cornish pasties, ethically sourced coffee from Union Coffee, and pastries. The funding will support Cornish Bakery's expansion into new areas, creating jobs and boosting local economies and charities across its UK locations. Cornish Bakery plans to open locations in the East Midlands, the South West and Nottinghamshire while also refurbishing stores in St Ives and the Lake District. Ralf Goad, finance director of Cornish Bakery, said: “We’re on a shared mission to supercharge our growth and to at least double, if not triple, in size in the coming years. We’re building a pioneering brand proposition where our mantra is ‘bakery is the new coffee shop’. We fully appreciate our close working relationship with the Strategic Finance team at Virgin Money and are delighted to work together to continually achieve, and often overachieve, our ambitious objectives.” David Burgess, business development director at Virgin Money, added: “Cornish Bakery is an established and growing business with a great reputation for quality produce and service which is backed up by their customer reviews. We are delighted to continue our 15 year relationship with the business and to support the whole team at Cornish Bakery with a cashflow finance package that enables them to accelerate their growth plans.” The funding amount was not disclosed. #CornishBakery #VirginMoney #UK

Wacaco Company has introduced its latest ground coffee portable espresso machine, the Minipresso GR2. Building on the original Minipresso GR, the Minipresso GR2 features a minimalist design inspired by nature, offering a 'perfectly' brewed, aromatic espresso. Wacaco has refined the coffee basket, seamlessly integrating it into the machine head. It is now adjustable, allowing users to choose between 8 or 12 grams of ground coffee. According to the company, this feature sets this portable espresso machine apart as the only one in the market offering such flexibility. The Minipresso GR2 showcases sustainable design through wheat-composed polymers and a 30% size reduction. The hand-operated espresso maker is eco-friendly and highly portable, eliminating the dependence on electricity. The machine is available for retail at $59.90 through the brand's website. Top image: ©Garance Rx #Wacaco #US

Emmi Group is set to acquire Switzerland-based coffee roaster Hochstrasser, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will enhance Emmi’s coffee expertise and the innovation of its Emmi Caffè Latte brand. Emmi will also help Hochstrasser improve its market position in the foodservice industry with its Hochstrasser and Don George brands. Founded in 1852, Hochstrasser will continue to operate independently, with René Vesti and Gery Camenzind as board members and Kevin Heer as managing director. This ensures continuity for its 50 staff and customers in the foodservice and hotel sectors. According to the company, the acquisition ensures the quality of freshly roasted coffee and the innovation of Emmi Caffè Latte. Marc Heim, EVP of Switzerland at Emmi Group, said: “With the acquisition of the renowned coffee roaster Hochstrasser in Lucerne, we are elevating our coffee expertise to further strengthen our iconic and innovative Emmi Caffè Latte brand. This will bring together strong expertise in producing the highest-quality premium coffee, freshly roasted in Lucerne, with the best Swiss milk." The transaction will be finalised pending approval from competition authorities. The parties agreed to keep the purchase price confidential. #Emmi #Hochstrasser #Switzerland

Investment management company Blackstone has confirmed the acquisition of Tropical Smoothie Café, a fast-casual restaurant franchisor, from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners. Peter Wallace, senior managing director, and Michael Staub, managing director of Blackstone’s Private Equity business, stated: “Tropical Smoothie Café is a nationally recognised brand with an impressive growth trajectory underpinned by a base of loyal franchisees and guests". "With Blackstone’s capital and resources, we look forward to accelerating the Company’s continued expansion across the country and supporting innovation to further capitalise on the brand’s unique positioning.” Tropical Smoothie Café embraces Inspire Better, a commitment rooted in its dedication to offering better-for-you food and smoothies while also striving to inspire positive change within the communities it serves. Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Café, added: “By partnering with Blackstone, Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be able to Inspire Better in more communities nationwide alongside our dedicated franchisees. 2024 will be another big year in our growth trajectory, as we focus on operational excellence, menu innovation, and the digital guest experience.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. #TropicalSmoothieCafé #US

Living Things, a UK-based functional soda brand, has secured a £500,000 pre-seed funding round led by global beverage entrepreneur James Watt, the co-founder and former CEO of BrewDog. The investment comes just six months after Living Things launched. During this time, the brand has seen impressive traction, selling over 100,000 cans and securing listings in more than 300 retailers including Whole Foods and Amazon. Living Things, founded by Ben Vear and Jonathan Relph, aims to disrupt the traditional soft drinks market by offering a healthier, yet still tasty, alternative. The brand's sodas are formulated with prebiotics, probiotics and low sugar content, targeting health-conscious consumers. In addition to Watt, the pre-seed round boasts a host of other experienced angel investors, underscoring the strong market potential that Living Things has demonstrated. "I came across Living Things first and foremost as a customer and myself and my girlfriend were instantly hooked," said Watt. "The soda category is ripe for disruption and I believe that sodas that are significantly better for you than the incumbents are going to lead that charge." Watt, who will also serve as an advisor to Living Things, added that the brand's "incredible" product and "fantastic" founding team were key factors in his decision to lead the investment. The fresh capital will enable Living Things to expand its distribution, continue developing new products, and drive growth as it targets a run-rate of over £1 million by the end of 2024. The brand is also planning a July launch into Whole Foods, followed by further major grocery retail listings in the autumn. According to Living Things, the European soft drinks market – valued at $50 billion – is currently dominated by sugary, additive-laden products. The company believes that as consumer demand for healthier options increases, the 'better-for-you' category could grow to represent 10% of the total market in the coming years. Ben Vear, co-founder and CEO of Living Things, added: "Demand for Living Things has been well beyond our early expectations, and securing support from James Watt is a real validation of our team, product and brand".

Japanese coffee company Ueshima has launched two new RTD canned coffees into the UK market. Launching in two varieties, Iced Latte and Iced Matcha Latte, the beverages are made with quality ingredients, are low in sugar and calories, and are packaged in 100% recyclable cans. Kirsty Pavely, marketing controller at Ueshima Coffee Company, said: “As the company that brought the world’s first canned coffee to market [in Japan], we are delighted to be able to bring the product to the UK for the first time. Our ready-to-drink range has been crafted with the same passion and dedication that has made Ueshima Coffee Company a beloved brand in Japan and beyond.” She continued: “We’ve seen a strong demand for our at-home coffee range, and we hope to replicate this success with this latest NPD”. Ueshima’s Iced Latte and Iced Matcha Latte are available to purchase now for an RRP of £2. #Ueshima #UK #icedcoffee

UK supermarket giant Waitrose has acquired Dishpatch, a meal-kit delivery service that provides restaurant-quality home dining. Dishpatch, founded in 2020, replicates a restaurant experience without leaving the house with chef-designed dishes, with collaborations with respected chefs including Angela Hartnett, Michel Roux Jr, Rick Stein and others. Dishpatch provides customers with more than 40 menus, with food and wine delivered on Friday to provide weekend meals. Dishpatch stands out from other meal kit companies as its dishes come pre-prepared with only a few steps to finish and serve. James Bailey, executive director for Waitrose, said: “Waitrose sees significant opportunities for Dishpatch, which works with some of Britain’s most respected chefs and restaurants. We have shared values in serving our customers the best quality food and we’re looking forward to working together.” He continued: “While our immediate focus will be helping Dishpatch grow its core meal kit business, we are also looking forward to working with the team to bring further new and exciting food experiences to Waitrose customers”. Peter Butler, founder and CEO of Dishpatch, added: “Since launching in 2020, our mission at Dishpatch has always been to bring the most exciting, high-quality restaurant food into more people's lives. We're thrilled to be partnering with Waitrose whose reputation has been built on the quality of their food. With such aligned values, we're excited to bring our meal kits to a wider audience and exploring new opportunities beyond that." Under the transaction, Peter Butler will continue as Dishpatch’s CEO. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. #Waitrose #Dishpatch #UK

UK coffee company 200 Degrees has launched its first premium automated coffee machine, the Coffee 2GO unit. With 21 shops across the UK and over 500 wholesale clients, 200 Degrees aims to combat poor-quality coffee. The Coffee 2GO unit, described as a 'barista in a box,' provides quality coffee at the touch of a button. Will Kenney, commercial director for 200 Degrees, said: “The quality of our offering is what drives us to reach more people. There are so many scenarios where a cup of 200 Degrees coffee can make your day that little bit better – whether you’re working, studying, on the move or relaxing. By providing even more opportunities for people to enjoy our coffee, we’re one step closer to eradicating bad coffee from all walks of life. The machine looks pretty slick, too.” The first Coffee 2GO unit was recently installed at a Student Roost accommodation block in Nottingham. Upcoming locations for the next Coffee 2GO machines include hotels, hospitality venues, university campuses and more. #200Degrees #UK

Sodexo's subsidiary InReach has announced the acquisition of US vending and office coffee business Capitol Vending and Coffee. Founded in 1994, Capitol Vending and Coffee operates in Austin, San Antonio and adjacent areas. Capitol Vending and Coffee is known for its fair trade and organic coffee offerings, as well as its commitment to sustainability, using biodegradable disposables 'whenever possible,' as explained by the company. The acquisition aims to expand InReach's presence in Texas, adding around 250 new clients. Ken Sullivan, president of InReach, said: “We are delighted to announce the addition of Capitol Vending and Coffee to our InReach family in Texas. Their focus on high-quality coffee and pantry services, along with their commitment to customer service, perfectly aligns with our values, enhances our service offerings in the region and boosts our expansion efforts in this dynamic market." Sodexo North America’s CEO of food transformation, Husein Kitabwalla, added: “The acquisition of Capitol Vending and Coffee continues to propel Sodexo’s Food transformation strategy. Capitol Vending and Coffee aligns perfectly with our food strategy, complementing our multi-channel offerings, including micro markets, pantry services, office coffee and vending. We are enthusiastic about the synergies and the enhanced value that our combined business will deliver to our clients.”

US fried chicken chain Popeyes is bringing AI to its drive-thru operations in the UK, becoming the first quick-service restaurant brand in the country to do so. The company has rolled out an AI-powered voice ordering system, dubbed 'Al' after Popeyes' founder Al Copeland, at its drive-thru location in Northampton. Following a successful trial, Popeyes plans to expand the technology to two more sites in Cardiff (Wales) and Rotherham this month, to equip all of its UK drive-thrus by July. David Carey, chief technology officer at Popeyes, said: "We believe this technology has the power to revolutionise the drive-thru experience for the better, and we're particularly proud to be the first quick-service restaurant in the UK to offer a Voice AI solution in this way". The AI system is designed to handle orders seamlessly, responding to customer questions about the menu, making recommendations and even adapting to changes in the order. During the Northampton trial, Popeyes reported 97% order accuracy and zero customer complaints. The launch of the AI drive-thrus comes as Popeyes looks to rapidly expand its footprint in the UK market. The brand plans to double its current estate by the end of 2024, opening more than 30 new locations and generating 2,000 new jobs. "The team have embraced the technology and are excited by the new freedom of not needing to stand at the order window," Carey added. "We're also currently looking at other ways AI can help the Popeyes team in the future, such as order forecasting." Popeyes entered the UK in November 2021, bringing its New Orleans-inspired fried chicken and biscuits to British consumers. The brand has sought to differentiate itself in the crowded quick-service sector by leveraging technology and innovation.

Versuni North America has announced a new portfolio of semi- and full-automatic espresso and coffee machines. Among the new products are the Philips Barista Brew semi-automatic espresso machine and the Philips Espresso 4400 and 5500 LatteGo full-automatic machines. The Philips Barista Brew semi-automatic espresso machine is designed to enable users to make barista-style coffee in their own homes. The machine allows consumers to experiment with different beans and achieve "perfectly frothed milk". With Philips Barista Brew, users receive feedback from the machine's pressure gauge to ensure the right settings are being used for their preferred cup of coffee. The machine boasts 'state-of-the-art' technology combined with intuitive design elements, including adjustable settings for grind size and brew strength. Additionally, it features a powerful steam wand for creating expertly frothed milk. Key features of the Philips Barista Brew include a dual bean container, allowing users to experiment with different types of beans for personalised flavour profiles; a 58mm stainless steel portafilter, which ensures superior coffee extraction and crema; and the Temperature Perfection Milk Jug. Other notable features include a premium calibrated tamper for precise tamping pressure, a user-friendly interface, and a sleek, compact design. In addition, the Philips 4400 and 5500 LatteGo full-automatic machines are said to provide the tools necessary for creating café-quality beverages with ease. Both models come equipped with a built-in ceramic grinder, ensuring optimal grind size for rich and consistent espresso. The enhanced SilentBrew Technology reduces brewing noise by 40%, offering a quieter experience for users. The 5500 model offers 20 hot and iced coffee and latte recipes at the touch of a button, while the 4400 model provides 12 such recipes. Both machines feature a larger, full-colour touch display and the LatteGo system, which is easy to clean, facilitating the one-touch preparation of lattes and cappuccinos. Additionally, the machines boast QuickStart Technology for faster coffee preparation and an intuitive display for easy navigation and selection of coffee options. Pieter Musters, consumer coffee innovation lead at Versuni, said: "The Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and the 4400 and 5500 LatteGo full-automatic machines are designed to cater to the evolving preferences of today's consumers". "We are witnessing a significant shift towards home coffee creations, driven by the desire for high-quality, customised coffee experiences without the hassle. Our new machines address this trend by offering both advanced features and user-friendly interfaces, making it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy barista-quality coffee at home whether they want to curate the perfect coffee creation for their guests or enjoy a perfect convenient latte on the go." #Versuni #Philips

Brazilian restaurant group Zamp has agreed to purchase the rights to operate the Starbucks brand and some stores in the South American country. In a filing, Zamp said that the deal is worth BRL 120 million (approx. $22.7 million) and was signed with SouthRock, which owns the rights and assets of Starbucks in Brazil and has been under bankruptcy protection since last year. The news caused Zamp's shares to soar, with a peak increase of 19.4% before closing with a nearly 10.2% gain, according to Reuters. Zamp has not specified how many of Brazil's more than 100 Starbucks stores it will acquire. The transaction will be conducted through a competitive process as part of SouthRock's bankruptcy proceedings, allowing Zamp the right to match any higher bids. The deal requires approval from Brazil's antitrust authority, CADE, and the court overseeing SouthRock's bankruptcy. Zamp said that the completion of the transaction depends on several conditions, such as obtaining judicial approval within the framework of SouthRock's bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally, the operation needs to be approved by Brazil's antitrust authority, CADE, and definitive contracts with Starbucks Corporation must be finalised. These conditions are typical for transactions of this kind. #Starbucks #Zamp #Brazil