Lavazza North America has introduced a new smart brewer – Flavia Creation 300 + Chill Refresh – for the workplace. The brewer offers 14 different types of hot, cold and frothed beverages, including coffee, tea, lattes and infused water. The unit features a built-in Flavia IQ smart system with a web-based digital interface to monitor consumption and help manage the ordering process. According to the company, Flavia’s Freshpacks are designed to brew directly from pack to cup, preserving taste and preventing the transfer of flavours, allergens or contaminants. In addition, the unit includes patented in-cup frothing along with the ability to brew cold drinks. Camille Vareille, VP of head of marketing Americas at Lavazza Group, said: “The Flavia C300 + Chill Refresh is the next generation brewer for medium-sized businesses. There is no other beverage system in the marketplace that delivers such a great-tasting range of hot and cold beverages at an affordable price point and compact footprint.”

Nestlé Waters has announced that it is cutting 171 jobs at its Vosges facility in eastern France, as it looks to scale back production at the site. The announcement follows the decision in 2022 to halt the marketing of its Vittel brand in Germany. Nestlé Waters says this has negatively impacted its production volumes at the site. Additionally, deteriorating weather conditions have affected the operating conditions of two of its wells dedicated to the production of Hépar. As a result, the company has suspended the use of the two wells, as it continues to use four other wells in connection with the Hépar brand. Nestlé Waters’ management met with the company’s social partners on Tuesday to make the announcement. Nestlé Waters said it will propose incentives to facilitate retirement, early retirement and internal and external redeployment. A spokesperson for Nestlé Waters told FoodBev: “Nestlé Waters will do its utmost to avoid forced departures. Throughout the information consultation procedure with employee representatives, our priority will be to promote social dialogue in order to identify and propose the best possible support solutions for the employees concerned.” They continued: “[We] will continue to be involved in the economic and social life of the region and will work closely with the public authorities and local communities to minimise the consequences of the reorganisation on the employment area, as part of a revitalisation project. In the meantime, the company will pursue its commitment to protecting the environment and preserving water resources.”

As the beverage industry continues to fizz with creativity and innovation, the World Beverage Innovation Awards have returned for their 22nd year, showcasing groundbreaking developments across the sector. From pioneering beer brewing techniques to revolutionary sustainable packaging, the awards spotlight the companies and individuals who are redefining the way we drink, all while maintaining a commitment to sustainability, quality and consumer needs. Behind every refreshing sip is a story of technological advancement and creative problem-solving. Modern craft beverages, fermentation and bar beverage systems are just the tip of the iceberg of what’s new for this year’s awards. A new Beverage System category spotlights the tech innovations that enable bar and restaurant owners to boost the advancements of their establishments with draft systems, dispensers and beverage vending. Whether it’s using AI advancements for draft beverage consistency, or implementing better inventory management, technology is playing a key role in shaping the future of beverages. The rise of health-conscious consumers has led to a surge in beverages that offer more than just hydration. Functional drinks enriched with vitamins, minerals, probiotics and plant-based ingredients are gaining popularity, reflecting a broader trend towards health and wellness. The awards recognise this shift, celebrating products that not only quench thirst but contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Last year’s winner of Best Functional Beverage was Fhirst Living Soda, with its all-natural, zero-sugar RTD soda enriched with probiotic living cultures. Read more about last year’s winners in FoodBev Awards’ new Winning Innovations publication here. The 22nd World Beverage Innovation Awards serve as a testament to the beverage industry’s resilience, ingenuity and commitment to improvement. As we celebrate this year’s winners, we also look forward to the future innovations that will continue to surprise and delight consumers around the globe. In conclusion, the World Beverage Innovation Awards highlight the brightest ideas lighting up the beverage industry. From sustainable packaging solutions to wellness-focused drinks, the awards provide a glimpse into the future of beverages in over 20 categories, where innovation meets recognition, and where taste and responsibility go hand in hand. Let’s raise our glasses to the winners and the incredible innovations that are yet to come! Entry is open now, so make sure to sign up for the beverage awards on the FoodBev Awards website.

US-based bourbon producer Jim Beam has broadened its ready-to-drink portfolio by introducing four new flavours to its popular Jim Beam Kentucky Coolers line. Crafted in collaboration with The Boston Beer Company, the new malt-based beverages include the following flavours: Blueberry Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Orange Crush and Peach Crush. Each flavour delivers a refreshing taste experience, complemented by subtle bourbon undertones. The brand says its ‘crush’ RTDs offer a unique interpretation of the popular East Coast cocktail, the crush. Blueberry Lemonade offers a fusion of crisp lemon and muddled blueberries, while Strawberry Lemonade features a tart and fruity profile. Orange Crush presents bright, tangy notes, while Peach Crush captures the sweetness of biting into a ripe peach. Veronique Mura, VP of Jim Beam Global Brand, commented: “Jim Beam is an iconic brand that at its core is about the power of human connection, going back to the front porch of the Beam family home where everyone was welcome. We know firsthand how a carefully crafted beverage can complement life’s most cherished moments and that is captured in every can of Kentucky Coolers cracked open with the ones we love. We are proud to continue to innovate this iconic brand and introduce more unique flavours for people to connect over and share.” The new flavours will be available nationwide in a 12-pack of 12oz cans, catering to consumers seeking easy-to-share refreshments for social gatherings or casual get-togethers. Each Kentucky Cooler is 5% ABV and contains 120 calories per serving. The 12-can variety pack is priced at a suggested retail price of $15.99.

US-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade has released its latest flavour innovations, aimed at capturing summer and spring sipping experiences. Among the new offerings is Mike’s Hard Limonada Fresca, a reinterpretation of traditional Latin American Aguas Frescas recipes. The Limonada Fresca line-up features flavours such as Watermelon Lime, Mangonada, Citrus Limonada and Pineapple Guava. These flavours are carefully crafted to deliver a blend of luscious citrus, lime and lemon, enhanced with real fruit juice and agave nectar. The company is also rolling out new Mike’s Harder mixed drink flavours. This includes Piña Colada, Hurricane Punch and Screwdriver. Piña Colada and Screwdriver will be available nationwide in 16oz single-serve cans, while Hurricane Punch will be offered in 23.5oz single-serve cans. The timing of the launch aligns with the onset of spring and the nearing of summer, ensuring that consumers have access to these new offerings in time for warmer weather and outdoor gatherings.

New research has found that a staggering 220 million tonnes of plastic waste is set to be generated in 2024, marking a 7.11% increase since 2021. The latest study, by charity EA Earth Action, and released last week, revealed that more than a third of plastic waste will be improperly handled at the end of its lifecycle. This equates to 68.6 million tonnes of plastic, translating to an average of 28kg of plastic waste per person worldwide. The report also announced this year’s Plastic Overshoot Day, on 5 September 2024, which marks the moment when the amount of plastic waste generated surpasses the world’s ability to manage it. Each country has its own Plastic Overshoot Day, determined by its plastic waste generation and management capacity. The EA Earth Action report identifies 117 days of plastic overshoot, meaning the plastic waste produced during these days ‘will not be well managed’. It says that only 12 countries are responsible for 60% of the global mismanaged plastic waste. Among them, the top five are China, the US, India, Brazil and Mexico. The charity has classified countries into six archetypes, providing tailored recommendations for improving waste management. These include reducing plastic consumption, promoting circular economy models like repair and reuse initiatives, implementing robust waste management policies such as extended producer responsibilities, enhancing local waste management infrastructure and halting the import of plastic waste from other countries. Sarah Perreard, co-CEO at EA Earth Action & Plastic Footprint Network, said: “The findings are unequivocal; improvements in waste management capacity are outpaced by rising plastic production, making progress almost invisible. The assumption that recycling and waste management capacity will solve the plastics crisis is flawed.” “The 2024 Plastic Overshoot Day report can serve both as a testament to our current trajectory and as a blueprint for necessary action. The decisions made today will echo through ecosystems and economies for generations. Ahead of UN Plastic Treaty negotiations in Ottawa, we call for a steadfast pursuit of science-driven, robust global policy that matches the scale of the plastic pollution problem. Let 2024 be the year we pivot to a trajectory that embraces reduction, ensuring the legacy we leave is not one buried in plastic.”

UK chilled coffee brand Arctic Coffee has expanded its offerings with the launch of a new high-protein caramel latte and a 1-litre mocha carton. The brand is also introducing a new mocha iced coffee in a larger 1-litre carton. Both products are made at Devon, UK-based dairy farm and owner of Arctic Coffee, Crediton Dairy. Arctic Coffee said the latest NPDs were crafted in response to consumers looking for more affordable and accessible RTD beverages, at a time when prices for coffee shop drinks are 'at an all-time high’. The new Arctic Coffee Hi-Protein Caramel Latte is a caramel latte chilled coffee. Each carton contains 15g of protein and 125 calories, while being low in fat and without added sugar. Head of marketing and insight at Crediton Dairy, Abigail Kelly, said: “Coffee shops have always led the way when it comes to decadent and daring coffee flavours and at a time when consumers need a good reason to part with income, innovation is key to keeping brands relevant. We wanted to bring similar great tasting and different options to the supermarket shelves to better meet the needs of shoppers.” She continued: “Shoppers are not only looking for nutritional cues and trendy flavours, but they are also looking for indulgence. The mocha flavour is under-represented in the category and there is a lack of good ones on the market that hit on the indulgent chocolate delivery – we’re about to change that!” The new iced coffees are available to purchase now in major UK retailers for an RRP of £1.15 and £2.20, respectively.

French payment service Worldline has partnered with Tabesto to introduce what they claim is the first all-in-one ordering and payment kiosk, using SoftPOS ‘Worldline Tap on Mobile’ technology. Tabesto is a French company that specialises in a range of intelligent solutions for the restaurant and retail sectors, focusing on order taking and payment. The Fox ordering and payment kiosk, part of the Tabesto application environment, acts as a payment terminal. It accepts payments through contactless bank cards, PIN codes on the screen, meal vouchers or NFC-enabled e-wallets, thanks to its embedded payment application and NFC sensor at the bottom of the screen. Available in 36 countries, this solution reduces customer wait times and is said to introduce a new ordering experience. According to the companies, Worldline and Tabesto assist restaurant and retail operators in simplifying operational management, cutting costs and optimising carbon footprint by reducing traditional equipment like ticket printers and payment terminals. Guillaume Hourmant, CEO and founder of Tabesto, said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing innovative, cutting-edge solutions for the world’s leading retailers. By combining Worldline’s payment technology and prestigious customers with our expertise in order taking, we enable merchants to enhance the efficiency of their service while delivering a unique customer experience.” Stijn Gasthuys, head of digital commerce and global sales verticals merchant services at Worldline, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Tabesto to launch this revolutionary solution on the retail market. By combining our strengths, we are able to deliver a unique customer experience that pushes the boundaries of innovation within the industry, with innovative solutions that adapt to the needs of consumers and merchants.”

Consumers across Europe are shifting their beverage preferences, turning away from traditional alcoholic drinks and towards a diverse array of healthier options. This revelation comes from a study conducted by Prinova – a supplier of ingredients and premix solutions for the F&B and nutrition industries – which sheds light on evolving trends in the beverage space. According to the findings, a significant proportion of consumers, particularly those in the 25-34 age group, are reining in their alcohol consumption. Among the 1,277 physically active European consumers surveyed, 42.5% admitted to reducing their alcohol intake over the past three years, marking a substantial departure from the conventional drinking culture. What are they turning to instead? A spectrum of healthier alternatives, with tea, coffee, still water and juices/smoothies topping the charts. This shift is not confined to one demographic; preferences vary across age groups, genders and regions. For instance, while the older generation shows a preference for dairy beverages, the younger cohort is more inclined towards alcohol-free beer. Energy emerges as the coveted wellness benefit, surpassing hydration and post-exercise recovery. This is reflected in the 35% of men reducing alcohol consumption by opting for energy drinks. Moreover, a significant portion of consumers expressed a desire for a broader selection of healthy beverages, with millennials leading the charge at 64%. The research also uncovers the ingredients that drive consumer choices. Vitamins and minerals take centre stage, followed closely by plant protein, indicating a growing demand for functional beverages enriched with premium micronutrients. Other factors influencing purchase decisions include affordability, natural ingredients, trusted brands and scientifically proven formulas. Commenting on the findings, James Street, global marketing director at Prinova, said: “Consumers are increasingly re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol, whether that means embracing the ‘sober-curious’ trend or simply moderating their intake. However, our research also suggests that many more would be persuaded do so if they could replace booze with appealing healthy alternatives.“ He added: “Given the scale of this market need, and the increasingly wide range of on-trend functional ingredients available, it’s clear that there are still huge opportunities for innovation in the functional beverage space”.

PepsiCo‘s Bubly water brand is set to add a new sweetened sparkling beverage to its portfolio, Bubly Burst. Bubly Burst is the first product innovation since the brand’s launch six years ago. The range is available in six flavours: triple berry, peach mango, watermelon lime, pineapple tangerine, cherry lemonade and tropical punch. Bubly Burst comes in 16.9oz single-serve bottles made from 100% recycled PET. Each bottle contains ten calories or less, along with antioxidants and no added sugar.

Keurig Dr Pepper Canada has unveiled its latest single-serve coffee brewing technology, aimed at enhancing at-home coffee consumption. The company has introduced a comprehensive innovation agenda aimed at developing advanced coffee brewing systems that cater to the evolving preferences of coffee enthusiasts. The cornerstone of this initiative is the unveiling of K-Rounds plastic-free pods, which signify a departure from conventional single-serve coffee pod materials. These pods are crafted from roasted coffee beans, encased in a proprietary plant-based coating. This pioneering design not only preserves the flavour and aroma of the coffee but also eliminates the need for plastic or aluminium components, addressing sustainability concerns prevalent in the industry. Accompanying the K-Rounds pods is the introduction of the Keurig Alta brewer, a system that allows consumers to craft a range of hot and cold barista-style beverages without the complexity typically associated with traditional brewing methods. Bob Gamgort, chairman and CEO of KDP, said: “30 years ago, Keurig changed the way consumers brewed coffee, with the introduction of the K-Cup pod single-serve coffee system. Today, we are applying all our expertise to create a revolutionary new system that will redefine how consumers will brew coffee for decades to come.” He continued: “Our ambitious agenda reflects our commitment to providing variety, quality, value and sustainability to the 45 million North American coffee consumers who currently use Keurig brewers and the millions of potential new households who will discover the benefits of a perfect cup of coffee prepared effortlessly in their home”. The K-Rounds pods enable brewing at both high and low pressures, catering to diverse coffee preferences. Each pod is marked with a unique code, automatically recognised by the Keurig Alta brewer, which adjusts the brewing parameters to ensure optimal extraction and flavour profile for every coffee variety. Additionally, the pods are expected to be certified compostable. The development of the Keurig Alta brewer and K-Rounds pods represents the culmination of a multi-year innovation endeavour, encompassing extensive R&D efforts. As part of this initiative, Keurig has secured a perpetual license to proprietary technology developed by Delica Switzerland, further enhancing the company’s intellectual property portfolio.

UK-based Cawston Press has unveiled its latest innovation: Sunshine Orange Fruit Water. This new addition joins the brand’s line-up of school-approved juice cartons, offering a refreshing choice for children with its natural blend of fruit juice and still water. Available now in Tesco stores (3x200ml) at an RRP of £2.10, Sunshine Orange Fruit Water caters to the growing demand for healthier beverage options among consumers. Crafted with 45% not-from-concentrate fruit juice and devoid of artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives, this drink is tailored to meet the preferences of both parents and children. The introduction of Sunshine Orange bolsters Cawston Press’s existing range, which includes Apple & Summer Berries, Apple & Pear, Apple & Mango and Cloudy Apple flavours. Milly Tuck, senior brand manager at Cawston Press, said: “Orange is the biggest flavour camp for juice and juice drinks, making up over 40% of UK sales. However, there has been a lack of innovation in the kids flavour space for drinks free from added sugar, sweeteners and preservatives, which is where Cawston Press is able to provide a high-quality drink priding itself on being made with very few simple, natural ingredients.” The Fruit Waters are packaged in SIG packaging primarily sourced from renewable FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper, aligning with the brand’s ethos of environmental responsibility. For retailers and wholesalers, Sunshine Orange Fruit Water (18x200ml) will be available alongside other Cawston Press offerings, providing versatile options for cafés, restaurants, bars and speciality stores.