This year, the WQA Convention & Exposition celebrated its 50th anniversary as a trade association. Attendees were treated to a comprehensive educational agenda covering topics ranging from emerging contaminants, like PFAS, to effective business management strategies. “Our convention theme, ‘Catalyst,’ describes how the convention will spark attendees to grow personally and professionally, as well as to acquire skills and contacts they need to grow their businesses,” said WQA events director Angie Silberhorn. The conference kicked off with engaging sessions about the water industry, such as ‘The Secret to Ice Machine Water Treatment’ by Kinetico, ‘Drinking Water Treatment – A Zero Liquid Discharge Design’ by Cartwright and ‘Market Trends in the Water Treatment Industry’ by Kinetico, setting a tone of insightful discussion. Keynote speakers shared innovative organisational strategies, while WQA leadership awards honoured industry leaders. Meanwhile, the exposition floor buzzed with activity as exhibitors showcased their advancements in water treatment technology. UV and filtration systems took centre stage. From UV disinfection systems to innovative filtration solutions, attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide range of products designed to enhance water treatment efficiency and effectiveness. AquiSense, for instance, exhibited its PearlAqua Micro, which stands as the world’s smallest UV disinfection system, boasting disinfection performance powered by UV-C LEDs and a flow cell design. Waterdrop featured its range of reverse osmosis water filters and purifier systems at the exposition. Among its offerings was the Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop Water Filter, showcasing the Canadian company’s commitment to providing home water purification solutions. The system boasts a five-stage filtration process enclosed within a compact countertop design. With its 0.0001μm reverse osmosis membrane, it ensures water is free from lead, fluoride and other contaminants. Crystal IS featured its Klaran UVC LEDs to disinfect water, air and surfaces in various applications. The LEDs emit ultraviolet light in the key germicidal wavelength range from 260nm to 270nm to inactivate a variety of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. In the realm of water dispensers, Blupura introduced its latest model, the Rebel water dispenser, capable of dispensing 30 litres per hour with options for both hot and cold water. Additionally, Waco presented a premium line of water dispensers, such as the Infinite Series and the I Fev series. Cosmetal – part of the Celli Group – showcased its Hi-Class Top 20 water dispenser, which has a multiple dispensing system that provides both cold and hot water. The event also offered a networking opportunity, where everyone gathered to strengthen connections within the industry. Attendees engaged in lively discussions, sharing insights and experiences, and exploring potential collaborations that could drive innovation and growth in their respective businesses. Overall, the WQA Convention & Exposition 2024 delivered valuable insights, networking, and business opportunities for attendees, reinforcing its importance in an ever-evolving industry landscape. Stay up-to-date by following our social media channels for an upcoming interview with Judd Larned, the incoming president of WQA, discussing the latest industry trends.

Myprotein has collaborated with Jimmy's to launch a new milk protein-enriched iced coffee. Jimmy’s x Myprotein iced coffee has 5.6g of milk protein per 100ml and has been designed to fuel the active consumers. Neil Mistry, CEO of Myprotein, said: “We can’t wait to see the Jimmy’s x Myprotein product on shelves and are excited about being able to offer a functional beverage for those looking to incorporate extra protein into their routines, making healthy choices more accessible to the everyday consumer”. Luke Wilkes, managing director of Jimmy’s, commented: “This collaboration will bring consumers their usual refreshing iced coffee but also provides a boost of high-quality protein. Whether you’re fuelling up for a workout or simply looking to add that little bit of extra protein into your diet, we know this product will be ideal for Jimmy’s usual fanbase and fitness enthusiasts alike.” Jimmy's x Myprotein iced multipack is available at Tesco stores for an RRP of £5, and will soon be available at other supermarkets starting from the beginning of April.

Haribo has unveiled its latest creation: Unicorn-i-licious. This new gummy variety features colourful unicorn shapes and is now available in stores nationwide in the US. The rainbow-coloured gummies are available in six flavours: Apple, Blue Raspberry, Berry Punch, Banana and, for the first time, Cotton Candy and Tangerine. While the launch of Unicorn-i-licious marks Haribo’s first foray into unicorn-shaped gummies globally, Haribo says the new product is tailored specifically for US consumers. Seth Klugherz, VP of marketing at Haribo of America, said: “At Haribo we’re on a mission to inspire childlike happiness for fans everywhere, and we know that feeling will be even more special when they open a bag of Unicorn-i-licious”. “We were inspired to create Unicorn-i-licious because we know consumers need joy in everyday moments, and so much of that joy goes back to the simplicity of childhood. The playfulness and nostalgia of unicorns coupled with the new flavours are sure to delight, and that’s when the magic really begins!” With its playful shapes and flavours, Unicorn-i-licious adds a dash of excitement to Haribo’s confectionery line-up, which includes Goldbears, Twin Snakes, Starmix, Happy Cola and Happy Cherries. The company also launched limited-edition Awesome Axolotls in the summer of last year. Beyond the launch of Unicorn-i-licious, Haribo has hinted at a year filled with new gummy releases and creative collaborations.

Juice brand Tropicana is launching two new products in the ambient category. These additions come on the heels of the brand’s foray into the ambient juice sector last year, which saw significant growth in the market. The latest offerings, Tropicana Rise & Shine and Tropicana Fruit Sensation, are now available in the UK in Tesco stores. Tropicana Rise & Shine addresses a key concern among consumers: sugar content. Recognising that sugar consumption is a top barrier to purchase, particularly among families seeking healthier options, this range offers 30% less sugar compared to other juices. It is available in Smooth Orange and Pressed Apple variants. Meanwhile, Tropicana’s Fruit Sensation range is designed to tap into new consumption occasions beyond breakfast. Flavours include Apple Cucumber & Lemon with a hint of elderflower, Orange & Mango with notes of yuzu, and Peach & Raspberry with a hint of vanilla. Elizabeth Ashdown at Tropicana Brands Group, added: “Until now, the ambient juice category has been highly private label driven with a lack of quality juice options for consumers. These new launches will positively expand the ambient juice category by better meeting consumer needs for more natural and healthier refreshment throughout the day and will set a new quality benchmark in juice drinks.” Tropicana Rise & Shine is available in a 0.85cl carton for £2 RRSP. Tropicana Fruit Sensation is available in a 1-litre bottle for 1.75 RRP.

Nescafé Dolce Gusto is launching two new additions to its Italian Inspiration range, Espresso Roma and Espresso Milano. The Espresso Roma is described as rich and intense, aiming to bring the “vibrancy of the Italian capital”. It is comprised of a blend of coffees from five different origins for a rounded taste, described as having a velvety body with toasted notes of blackcurrant. Espresso Milano coffee is inspired by Italy’s fashion capital, designed to “add a touch of sophistication” to the range. It has notes of red fruit and dark chocolate combined with a light spicy note for a “delicate” toasting. Nescafé Dolce Gusto brand manager, Maryna Kinchyna, said: “Espresso has several characteristics and degrees of intensity as you travel throughout Italy. From the north downwards, coffee drinkers in the country would find distinct levels of toasting and creaminess.” “The Italian Inspiration Range perfectly interprets these different and authentic souls of espresso coffee as they would be found in Italy.” The new blends are now available through #Nescafé’s web shop and will roll out in Sainsbury’s stores across the UK from September.

Breville has announced the launch of its first sparkling beverage water maker, called InFizz Fusion. Available in five colours – sea salt, black truffle, olive tapenade, damson blue and brushed stainless steel –the machine has the capability to carbonate a variety of beverages, including fresh juices, wine, alcohol, coffee and tea, in addition to water. The InFizz Fusion is said to stand out due to its pressure control system, the FusionCap, which allows direct carbonation of flavoured beverages without the risk of overflow or requiring additional sparkling water to existing mixes. Breville explained that by enhancing natural base ingredients instead of using processed flavour drops post-carbonation, drinks maintain their full flavour throughout. InFizz Fusion gives users the flexibility to carbonate various beverages, experiment with pre-bottled drinks and restore flat liquids for enhanced flavour. The InFizz Fusion offers a “twist and tilt” action for bottle engagement and release and a “die-cast lever” for carbonation application, “making it an incredibly easy product to use,” the company said. Sabrina Smith, global category manager at Breville, said: “We are thrilled to be launching the InFizz Fusion just in time for everyone to enjoy their favourite drinks throughout the spring and summer. This is a product that opens up countless possibilities for the types of drinks that can be enjoyed throughout the day, while taking their flavor to the next level.” “The InFizz Fusion opens up a whole new way for our customers to experiment and enjoy drinks like they’ve never experienced before at home: from all-natural fizzy juice for the kids to sparkling ice teas, flavourful fresh non-alcoholic cocktails, to entertaining with carbonated sangria and margaritas – just to name a few.” Otto Romer, head of cuisine, chemistry and experience R&D at Breville, added: “Science can explain why carbonated drinks simply taste better. When a liquid is injected with carbon dioxide gas, the gas reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which has a taste that your tongue can actually detect – and one that accents the flavour of the beverage. At the same time, carbonation bubbles in the nose and mouth trigger other sensors in the brain, unlocking a more exciting, multi-sensory flavour experience.” In addition, Breville is releasing InFizz Aqua alongside the InFizz Fusion, designed specifically for carbonating water without the FusionCap feature.

Coca-Cola has introduced a new limited-edition flavour as part of its Creations lineup: Coca‑Cola K-Wave Zero Sugar. The company said that the new flavour infuses the "taste of Coca-Cola with a refreshing burst of fruity-flavoured K-Pop magic," with the aim of creating connections between fans and artists. The can design features vibrant green, pink and purple LED screen patterns, drawing inspiration from the lively atmosphere of a K-Pop concert. Jung Hyun Kwon, category lead for Japan and South Korea at The Coca‑Cola Company, said: "Immersing fans in the vibrant world of K-Pop, Coca‑Cola K-Wave Zero Sugar is a celebration of shared passions from all over the world". "By collaborating with some of the biggest names in K-Pop culture, Coca‑Cola K-Wave Zero Sugar is bringing fans together through innovative experiences that bring to life their special and unique devotion for their favourite artists, and the powerful impact that K-Pop has on culture." Coca-Cola K-Wave Zero Sugar will be available in the US, Spain, Singapore, South Korea and other global markets.

Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland has agreed to acquire 100% of BDS Vending Solutions for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1993, BDS Vending operates approximately 2,000 vending machines, providing food and beverage vending solutions in Ireland. Following the completion of the transaction, founders David Mullan and Brian Berry, have agreed to support the ownership transition of BDS Vending. According to the company, the acquisition of BDS Vending aligns with Coca-Cola HBC's strategy to improve its route-to-market capabilities, including last-mile delivery. It also offers opportunities across its diverse range of cold and hot beverages and snacks. Coca-Cola HBC said that BDS Vending offers "a valuable building block, with proven technology and services, from which Coca-Cola HBC plans to develop additional capabilities across its markets". The transaction is subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Ireland and is expected to be completed in the coming months. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

UK-based iced coffee brand, Jimmy’s, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Caramel Iced Coffee, a sweet twist on its classic beverage. The coffees are made using Rainforest Alliance-accredited Arabica and come in aluminium bottle cans which are resealable, “infinitely recyclable” and 100% plastic free.Jimmy’s co-founder, Jim Cregan, said: “It’s refreshing, it’s indulgent, it’s caramel and we can’t wait for people to get their hands on it”. The caramel iced coffees will initially be exclusively available in Tesco stores from 1 March for an RRP of £1.95 per 275ml bottle can, with further distribution planned for later in the year.

Kellogg's has expanded its Pringles portfolio with a new range of spicy flavours, called Hot. Pringles Hot is available in five variants: Mexican chilli & lime, flamin’ cheese, smokin’ BBQ ribs, kickin’ sour cream, and sweet chilli. Each flavour offers a different level of heat intensity. From the milder kickin' sour cream and sweet chilli flavours to the spicier end of the scale with the flamin’ cheese flavour.The new range is replacing Pringles Sizzl’N, which launched in 2021. Pringles Hot offers four flavours compliant with HFSS regulations, with the exception of sweet chilli. Beth Johnson, Kellogg’s UK&I senior activation brand manager, said: “We know our shoppers love spicy flavours, as we saw with our Sizzl’N range. Pringles Hot is the next evolution and allows retailers to capitalise on the demand for more spicy offerings.’’Pringles Hot is available at across major UK retailers for an RRP of £2.25 per 160g tube.

Deposit return schemes (DRS) are gaining traction worldwide as a practical solution to combat environmental pollution and encourage recycling. These schemes incentivise consumers to return empty bottles for various rewards, effectively reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. With growing environmental concerns and a push for circular economy practices, DRS has emerged as a promising solution to mitigate waste and promote recycling. FoodBev Media’s Rafaela Sousa explores. Government commitment This increasing recognition is evident in governmental initiatives worldwide. In January 2023, the UK government revealed plans to introduce a DRS in 2025 to improve the recycling of plastic bottles and cans. The DRS aims to achieve an 85% reduction in discarded beverage containers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland within three years of its launch. As part of the scheme, reverse vending machines will be installed at designated sites, such as retailers, allowing people to return their bottles and receive cashback. The introduction of the DRS was decided upon after a consultation, during which 83% of respondents were in favour of the new system. UK environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “We want to support people who want to do the right thing to help stop damaging plastics polluting our green spaces or floating in our oceans and rivers”. “That is why we are moving ahead using our powers from our landmark Environment Act to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme for drink containers. This will provide a simple and effective system across the country that helps people reduce litter and recycle more easily, even when on the move.” Meanwhile, the government of Scotland delayed the implementation of its DRS until at least October 2025. This was the second postponement of Scotland’s DRS, following the initial delay from March to August last year. The delay is in response to the UK government’s refusal to agree to a full exclusion from the Internal Market Act, as stated by Scotland’s minister for circular economy, Lorna Slater. Industry collaboration Despite the Scottish government delaying the introduction of its DRS, supermarket chain Lidl is trialling its own bottle return scheme across 21 of its stores in Glasgow. Customers will receive a £0.5 reward for each eligible returned item. The scheme, which began on 8 February and is running until 11 August, enables shoppers to return their empty polyethylene terephthalate plastic and aluminium beverage containers via in-store reverse vending machines. Lidl – which is said to become the first supermarket to pilot its own bottle return scheme across an entire city – highlighted that it is expected that the pilot will recycle at least 10.5 tonnes of plastic and aluminium material each month, which will be used to create new plastic and aluminium products. Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “We’re on a mission to eliminate all unnecessary waste, and with over 95% of our own-brand packaging now recyclable, reusable or refillable we’ve been making great progress. We know that Lidl shoppers share this passion, and we hope that utilising this infrastructure, which might otherwise have been left dormant, will help to make recycling their cans and bottles even more convenient for them.” Additionally, waste management company Biffa launched a nationwide recycling service last month for hot and cold takeaway drink cups. The company is currently offering UK mainland businesses – from cafes and restaurants to service stations and supermarkets – a “fully integrated” disposal, collection and recycling service for their used cups. Businesses with ten or more full-time employees who sell takeaway drinks in fibre-based single-use cups will be required by law to recycle them starting in October 2025. Soft drinks company Fraser & Neave Holdings has also been part of this effort to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste. In November, the company, in collaboration with three other industry partners, launched a reverse vending machine pilot project in Malaysia, as it aims to drive sustainable change and encourage recycling. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has been a key player in reverse vending for many years and has been actively involved in sustainability efforts. Since introducing reversing vending in 2019, Coca-Cola has consistently partnered with Merlin Entertainments, resulting in the collection of over 100,000 plastic bottles through the implementation of reverse vending machines. Looking ahead As the momentum for DRS grows, the future holds promise for a sustainable world. Collaboration among governments, businesses and consumers is essential for the expansion of this initiative, ultimately strengthening its effectiveness in addressing the global waste crisis. DRS holds the potential to transform our recycling habits, leading to a cleaner, more environmentally friendly planet.

We’re thrilled to announce that the World Coffee Innovation Awards have returned! We will soon open entries for the latest groundbreaking coffee concepts, technologies and innovations worldwide. It’s that time of the year when the innovators and movers in the coffee industry compete and showcase their contributions to raising the bar in the coffee experience. The 2023 awards saw innovations from all over the globe compete for the accolade of the world’s best. Raw Material was one of the successful entries and won in both Best Sustainability Initiative and Best Ethical Initiative categories. The full list of winners from last year was published in Refreshment magazine’s issue 32. This year, we’re excited to introduce new categories where industry pioneers can participate and present their creations. Barista Tool/Equipment: This category is designed for new-age coffee technology, tools or equipment, whether for domestic or commercial use, that enable the making of the perfect cup of coffee. Innovations that redefine efficiency, design and usability in the barista scene will be honoured within this segment. Functional Coffee: In today’s market, coffee isn’t just about getting that caffeine hit. It’s also about enhanced wellbeing benefits. So, for all the health-conscious coffee enthusiasts out there, we are now celebrating innovations in functional coffees – innovations that marry coffee with wellness through the inclusion of ingredients that provide extra nutritional perks. Technology Innovation: Finally, if you have devised an innovative coffee-making process, created an advanced machine-learning coffee roaster, or simply applied tech to revolutionise coffee brewing methods or the coffee supply chain, this category is for you. View the full list of categories on the FoodBev Awards website Returning to the judging panel for 2024 is Erwin Wetzel, who brings his expertise as the director general of the European Vending & Coffee Service Association; and Francois Knopes, manager of the Independent Coffee Lab in London, and a freelance coffee quality consultant. More judges will be announced in the following weeks – make sure to sign up to FoodBev Awards’ coffee awards newsletter to be the first to know. The global stage awaits your innovations, and this year, we once again have the pleasure of partnering with Caffè Culture Show to present our 2024 winners ceremony. Caffè Culture Show brings together over 3500 visitors to network and expand their knowledge through industry talks and presentations. This year, FoodBev Awards has taken the World Coffee Innovation Awards to the next level and is excited to present shortlisted companies with the opportunity to exhibit their products at the Caffè Culture Show in the dedicated World Coffee Innovation Awards feature area. This provides a physical platform to showcase, network and celebrate their innovations. The World Coffee Innovation Awards spotlight remarkable, groundbreaking contributions to the global coffee industry. This is a platform for inventors, developers and innovators in the world of coffee to showcase their original work and take the coffee culture forward. Whether you’re a veteran coffee entrepreneur or a start-up passionate about making a difference, our judges can’t wait to see what has been brewing behind the scenes. Entries will open 11 March 2024.