A new functional soda brand, Fibe, has launched into the UK market, designed primarily to support digestive health with added prebiotic fibres. The non-HFSS beverages are available in three flavours: orange, fruit punch and lemonade, each containing five grams of plant-based prebiotic fibre as well as calcium and vitamin C, designed to improve gut and immune health. The 30-calorie cans are aimed to offer soda drinkers an accessible ‘gateway drink’ that looks and tastes like traditional soda while benefitting the body. Freya Twigden, Fibe’s founder, said: “The idea is simple, we’ve taken flavours that consumers know and love, and created a better version – one that not only tastes familiar but also boasts considerable gut-health benefits. There are no empty calories, no artificial sweeteners, just classic soda flavours with all natural ingredients, plus the added benefit of 5g of fibre to support digestive health.” She added: “The aim is to create an accessible range that gives us the opportunity to bring classic soda drinkers into the functional category as well as appeal to lapsed soda drinkers, looking for a healthier option…We believe by combining two trends, gut health and functional beverages, Fibe offers retailers a clear opportunity to add incremental sales and is set to further disrupt the category.” The beverages are available in Planet Organic stores nationwide as well as independent retailers for an RRP of £1.50 per can. #Fibe #functionalbeverage #prebioticfibres #UK

Westrock Coffee Company has acquired US-based speciality-grade roaster Bixby Roasting. In order to capitalise on shifting consumer consumption trends, the deal – which includes Bixby’s roasting facility in Los Angeles, California – will enhance Westrock Coffee’s omnichannel product marketing and development capabilities. Founded in 2017, Bixby roasts and ships fresh premium coffee direct to consumers’ doors via its subscription service. Bixby is also known in the emerging influencer-led brand space. Bixby co-founders, Miles Fisher and Remington Hotchkis, will both join the Westrock Coffee senior management team – Fisher will serve as senior vice president of sales while Hotchkis will be named vice president of sales. Elizabeth McLaughlin, executive vice president of sales at Westrock Coffee, said: “The emergence of influencer-led brands has created a new sales channel in the beverage business, and Bixby is at the forefront of its development. Miles and Remington bring a depth of knowledge on these emerging channels that we are adding to the Westrock Coffee portfolio, including the co-creation of new influencer brands that are particularly appealing to young consumers.” Fisher added: “Remington and I are thrilled to take our careers and company to the next level by joining forces with Westrock Coffee. [CEO and co-founder] Scott and his team continue to grow with their impressive customer base and look to serve their customers not only through traditional private brand offerings but also through the creation of products for specific customer segments and influencer-based brands. “With the resources and momentum that Westrock Coffee brings, we are ready to get to work and fuel the product development and ecommerce offerings of the company.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. #BixbyRoasting #US #WestrockCoffeeCompany

PepsiCo‘s SodaStream has expanded its portfolio of sparkling water makers with the addition of two new machines: E-Terra and E-Duo. The new models enable customers to customise their favourite beverages. According to SodaStream, these innovations will strengthen its efforts to provide a sustainable, elevated sparkling water experience “through distinct designs, innovative features and versatile options”. The E-Terra machine features an electric interface, while the E-Duo has the ability to carbonate water in both a glass carafe and a reusable plastic bottle. Mark Fenton, chief business officer at SodaStream US, commented: “Last year, we began to revolutionise our portfolio with better experience, design, and of course, functionality in mind”. He continued: “We listened to our consumers and have created a suite of sparkling water makers that enhance the user experience and make sparking water more enjoyable with total customisation. We are excited for these two new models hit the market this month and can’t wait to see how our users infuse them into their routines.” #PepsiCo #SodaStream

Odyssey Wellness – creator of Odyssey Elixir sparkling energy drink – has completed a $6.3 million Series A capital raise that will support Elixir’s growth across all its distribution channels. Odyssey Elixir is “the first” sparkling energy drink infused with functional mushrooms. Each beverage contains 2,500mg of fruiting body extracts from functional mushrooms (cordyceps and lion’s mane), as well as L-theanine and panax ginseng, which provide the benefits of nootropics, adaptogens and beta-glucans. The beverages are said to promote brain performance and boost energy, focus and mood, without the caffeine crash, artificial sweeteners, added sugar, or other ingredients associated with traditional energy drinks. Scott Frohman, founder and CEO of Odyssey Wellness, commented: “Odyssey is a purpose-driven company on a mission to upgrade people from their habitual caffeine crash, jitters and burnout to a more sustainable energy. By utilising the power of functional mushrooms and bringing them mainstream, we aspire to expand a growing population of conscious individuals that are more focused, more productive, and passionate about doing good, feeling good, and sharing those vibes with others.” He added: “We appreciate the infusion of capital and trust from our investors who bring incredible expertise and will be valuable strategic partners as we continue to build this brand.” Since its debut last year, it is now available at over 5,000 brick-and-mortar locations, including natural and conventional retailers. #OdysseyWellness #US

Source Global, the developer of a “disruptive” technology that generates drinking water from the atmosphere, has announced its acquisition of spring water brand Proud Source Water. A certified B Corp, Proud Source offers naturally alkaline water in recyclable aluminium bottles, which can be found at retailers and foodservice locations across the US. The companies are combining to provide “the first completely renewable, sustainable bottled water,” according to Source Global. Its technology, the Source Hydropanel, produces drinking water using sunlight and air as the only inputs. CEO and founder, Cody Friesen, elaborated: “Our Hydropanels allow us to establish a source of clean, sustainable water almost anywhere on the planet, without the need to extract from existing freshwater resources”. “The technology is powered entirely by the sun, and the water is produced from vapour in the air, making it a truly renewable approach.” Proud Source – which currently sources from sustainably managed springs in the Rocky Mountains and Florida’s Apalachicola National Forest – will expand its product portfolio to include water produced via Source Global’s tech. Arrays of Hydropanels are to be installed at Proud Source’s bottling facilities, enabling the brand to offer “renewable water sourced from the air and delivered in infinitely recyclable packaging”. This is expected to be available nationally in early 2024. “Proud Source Water was launched with the commitment to deliver the cleanest and most sustainable water on the planet,” said president CJ Pennington. “Now, with the renewable water technology Source brings to the process, we are able to take that pledge to an unprecedented level.” The deal will see Proud Source become the bottled water division of Source Global. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. #ProudSourceWater #SourceGlobal #US

Lucozade Sport is expanding its range with the launch of Lucozade Sport Zero Sugar, containing 4 calories per ser serving. Available in Orange & Peach and Raspberry & Passion Fruit flavours, Lucozade Sport Zero Sugar contains sodium and Vitamin B3 to help reduce tiredness and is available in 500ml bottles and 4x500ml multipack formats. Both flavours include Acesulfame K and Sucralose sweeteners. Tom Bell, head of marketing for Lucozade Sport at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I said: “As the nation’s favourite sports drink, we are excited to bring a new offering from Lucozade Sport. We know that more and more people are living an active lifestyle and hydration is a key need at this moment. He added: “This spring we are launching a thirst-quenching zero-sugar fitness drink containing sodium and Vitamin B3 that tastes great. We can’t wait for people to try it.” #LucozadeSport #zerosugar

Nestlé is piloting refillable vending machines for its Milo and Koko Krunch brands as part of its effort to explore solutions that help to reduce the need for disposable packaging. In collaboration with digital start-up Qyos by Algramo, the machines will be available at two retailers in Indonesia during a 4-6 month trial period. Qyos was founded in 2020 and is an Indonesian start-up that aims to provide households with alternatives to single-use plastic. It is supported by machines with interface systems from Chilean environmentally friendly refill technology company, Algramo. Gaelle de Mestral, head of R&D packaging at Nestlé, said: “We are actively exploring innovative, alternative delivery systems such as bulk, reuse and refill options across several product categories. By undertaking this second pilot for Milo and Koko Krunch, we’ll be able to gain new insights that can be applied to our products, as well further assess the refillable system’s effectiveness in preventing packaging waste along the supply chain.” As consumers will use their own containers, the machines are fitted with QR codes which can digitally provide product information including ingredients and shelf life. Packaging developers at Nestlé’s R&D centres in Singapore and Switzerland worked in collaboration with the Nestlé teams in Indonesia, as well as Qyos, for the development of the vending machines. Nestlé ensured that the refillable systems maintain the safety and freshness of products across the supply chain while considering the local context, such as the hot and humid climate conditions in Indonesia. Samer Chedid, president director of Nestlé Indonesia, added: “We hope that through the Nestlé x Qyos refilling machine technology, we can support the government to encourage people to reduce the use of packaging while also contributing to environmental sustainability goals in Indonesia”. In 2021, Nestlé piloted reusable and refillable containers for Milo, Dancow and Koko Krunch in South Jakarta, Indonesia, where consumers had the option of purchasing the products from tricycle carts fitted with refillable dispensing systems. #Algramo #Indonesia #Nestlé #Qyos

For the first time in 14 years, PepsiCo has unveiled a new logo and visual identity for its flagship soft drink. Pepsi says this new move marks the brand’s “next era”. The new design features a “bold typeface, signature pulse and an updated colour palette, including the colour black, highlighting the brand’s commitment to Pepsi Zero Sugar,” a brand said in a statement. Pepsi’s new look will be rolled out in North America this autumn, in time for the brand’s 125th anniversary. It will roll out globally in 2024. Conversion of the brand’s 20oz bottles has already begun, including Pepsi Zero Sugar to 100% recycled PET. Mauro Porcini, SVP & Chief Design Officer of PepsiCo, said: “At PepsiCo, we design our brands to tell a compelling and holistic story. Pepsi is a shining example of a brand that has consistently reinvented itself over 125 years to remain a part of pop culture and a part of people’s lives.” He continued: “We designed the new brand identity to connect future generations with our brand’s heritage, marrying distinction from our history with contemporary elements to signal our bold vision for what’s to come”. In other news, PepsiCo has also announced a change to its classic cola recipe in the UK and Ireland, with the beverage now set to contain 57% less sugar. Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Max will not be reformulated. The new recipe is reformulated with a blend of acesulfame potassium and sucralose sweeteners and contains 56% fewer calories from added sugar. Nutritional information will also be added to the packaging. The news comes as the UK government introduces new guidelines about the HFSS content of food and beverage products; however, some say that the new formulation will pose a problem for people with diabetes who are unable to consume such sweeteners. #Pepsi #PepsiCo #reducedsugar #sweeteners

365 Retail Markets has acquired UK-based food technology company Kafoodle for an undisclosed sum. Kafoodle specialises in menu and kitchen management, nutritional data and allergy compliance. The company’s software solutions help foodservice operators – from small hospitality venues to large healthcare and education organisations – in the UK and Europe to manage costs, food compliance, digital menus, food waste and food labelling, and track nutritional data The acquisition expands 365’s footprint in the UK and European markets. In addition, with Kafoodle’s technology, 365 will provide clients with comprehensive solutions that complement its existing offerings. The deal will allow 365’s customers to create menus that cater to the needs of specific demographics, such as individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies. 365’s CEO, Joe Hessling, commented: “Kafoodle’s technology is truly innovative and aligns with our commitment to providing data-led insight to our clients while streamlining their business processes”. Kafoodle’s founder and CEO Tarryn Gorre added: “Everyone in the food service industry has the same responsibility to provide key information about the food they serve and Kafoodle’s mission has always been to streamline how businesses accurately provide data to consumers”. She added: “We are excited to join 365 Retail Markets’ team, to offer global support to food service businesses and tackle the challenges surrounding what’s in the food we consume and how it is sourced”. 365 said in a statement that “customers of both companies can expect to see new and enhanced solutions in the near future”. #365RetailMarkets #Kafoodle #UK

AquiSense Technologies, a provider of UV-C LED water disinfection systems, has announced the launch of PearlAqua Deca 30C. PearlAqua Deca 30C offers treatment for both larger and smaller point-of-use applications. The solution is suitable for commercial and industrial water treatment, food and beverage processing and residential use, as well as soda machines, among other uses. The PearlAqua Deca 30C applies UV-C LED technology to achieve more than 99.99% reduction of pathogens at four gpm (15 lpm). It includes automatic on-and-off switching or external triggering, configurable alarm outputs and dynamic power control, “which reduces overall energy consumption and extends lamp replacement intervals,” said the company. Oliver Lawal, AquiSense’s president and CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce the latest PearlAqua product to the market. This not only fills a gap in our lower flow rate product range but, more importantly, demonstrates our next-generation PearlAqua design platform. We’re using a newer generation of UV-C LED devices, more advanced electronics, integrated UV Intensity Sensor and increased assembly automation.” #AquiSenseTechnolgies

Foodservice and facility provider Aramark has launched what it claims to be the “first” AI-powered ‘Quick Eats’ store in Scotland. ‘Quick Eats’ is an ambient intelligence-driven, no-wait, checkout-free retail store offering foods, beverages and essentials. The store is based at financial advice company Aegon’s offices in Edinburgh and will serve its 1,300 staff members. By using Aramark’s WorkXgo app, customers can walk in and walk out without having to wait in lines or go through a cashier. The launch of ‘Quick Eats’ in Edinburgh was confirmed in an Aramark LinkedIn post: The store features overhead cameras and intelligent shelf sensors that combine detection, visual cognition and secure payment integration while safeguarding privacy. Helen Milligan-Smith, MD at Aramark UK, said: “The launch of ‘Quick Eats’ in Scotland marks an important milestone on our journey to become the most innovative leader in the hospitality industry. By deploying the most cutting-edge and sophisticated technology in the market, we aim to make the customer journey as seamless and efficient as possible.” The ‘Quick Eats’ store forms part of ‘Aramark Connected’ that applies tech-enabled innovation for frictionless consumer experiences. Globally, this is the third Aramark ‘Quick Eats’ store deploying the technology, following the opening of two stores in Germany and Chile. #Aramark #Scotland #UK

Food tech scale-up Deliverect has acquired Dubai-based mobile ordering and marketing solutions provider for hospitality brands, ChatFood. The acquisition is designed to provide the restaurant industry with a solution to enable profitable growth and experiences, including social, dine-in QR and direct channel ordering, as well as online food delivery. Together, the companies will serve more than 43,000 restaurants and foodservice businesses globally, powering over 300 million orders in 42 markets. ChatFood operates in the Gulf region with more than 3,000 foodservice locations relying on its technology. Its co-founders will remain with Deliverect to lead further growth and expansion. Zhong Xu, CEO and co-founder of Deliverect, said: “We are thrilled to welcome ChatFood to the Deliverect team. With ChatFood, we now provide a 360-degree solution inspired by the challenges our customers face, supporting them both with in-restaurant dining and online food delivery. This milestone is significant for our company because each day we strive to simplify the lives of restaurant owners and help them thrive in the digital age.” The acquisition will enable Deliverect to offer customers a one-stop digital platform that eliminates complexity and drives value for in-restaurant dining and online delivery experiences. Ben Mouflard, CEO and co-founder of ChatFood, added: “We’ve had an opportunity to observe Deliverect’s values and dedication to their customers through our existing integration and long-standing partnership. We recognised that their approach aligned with our own. We are so excited by this next chapter in our journey and bringing our solutions to restaurants around the world.” According to ChatFood, its solutions have resulted in 35% higher average spending from customers, tripled the amount of tips and increased labour efficiency by 25%. New solutions resulting from the acquisition include ‘Deliverect Social Media Ordering,’ where restaurants’ customers can order from their social media accounts and tap into restaurants’ social channels. Another solution is ‘Deliverect Order & Pay,’ where restaurants can digitise their dine-in experience with custom QR codes for menus, ordering, bill management and payment, helping staff focus on creating the best dining experience and rewarding customers for their visits. Deliverect’s ‘Social Media Ordering’ and ‘Order & Pay’ will be available globally on a rolling basis over the coming months. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. #ChatFood #Deliverect #Dubai