Since launching in 2012, Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages has built its reputation around naturally alkaline volcanic water and a focus on sustainability. CEO and co-founder Ryan Emmons discusses how the Hawaii-based company expanded from a local start-up into a B Corp-certified brand promoting circular packaging and community impact. Ryan Emmons Can you tell us about the origins of Waiākea – what sparked the idea, and how it grew into a full-fledged brand? I grew up splitting my time between Hawaii, where my mother was raised and my extended family lived, and California. Experiencing life in both places gave me a deep appreciation for the environment and the lifestyles they each embrace. Before enrolling in USC’s Marshall School of Business and, more specifically, the Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, I was involved in a number of clean water, environmental and education non-profits, and I saw firsthand the impact those programs could make, and simultaneously, their flaws and limitations. That experience sparked a bigger vision, to build a triple bottom line brand and company that combined my focus on community impact and sustainability with my interest in entrepreneurship. In 2012, I co-founded Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages with my cousin, Hawaiian artist and game designer Alex Preston, and my good friend Matt Meyer. In the early days, we scraped together start-up costs from family and friends and made local deliveries with a U-Haul. From those beginnings, Waiākea has grown into a national brand, built on circular packaging, sustainable sourcing and a strong commitment to community. Where does the name ‘Waiākea’ come from, and what does it mean to you? The brand name Waiākea draws inspiration from the historical divisions of land, or ahupua‘a, in Hawaii, and specifically the area of Hilo on the Big Island, where we’re headquartered.   The meaning of Waiākea itself roughly translates to 'broad waters' and alludes to the resilience and importance of our aquifer system. It’s part of our charter as a public benefit corporation to serve as stewards of the aquifer, so we’ve set extraction limits to a fraction of a fraction of one percent of its daily sustainable yield and recharge rate. If we didn’t have a sustainable and abundant source (it rains 360 days a year in Hilo), we wouldn’t be doing this. California’s water management could take a lesson from Hawaii’s playbook. Your water is sourced from the Mauna Loa volcano. What makes this source unique, and how does it shape the taste and quality of the product? Our water filters through nearly 14,000 feet of porous volcanic rock, absorbing trace minerals that make it naturally alkaline. Unlike most brands that use baking soda or electrolysis, its alkalinity comes from natural minerals like magnesium and calcium. It's really the naturally occurring silica, which is unique to a volcanic process, that gives it its smooth mouthfeel. Waiākea has just been certified as a B Corp. What does that recognition mean for the company? Earning B Corp certification with a score of 126.6 places Waiākea among the top 5% of B Corps globally and marks the highest score for a water brand. It demonstrates that 100% recycled packaging, sustainable sourcing and measurable community impact can scale alongside business growth. Your bottles are made from OceanPlast – 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Why was it important to move away from virgin plastic, and what challenges did you face developing this packaging? We researched a lot of packaging alternatives that are ‘marketed’ as green, but many of them had hidden environmental costs or required infrastructure that didn’t exist at scale, such as Tetra Pak and other multi-layer packaging that can’t be easily recycled. After years of research and development, we were one of the first to commercialise and completely commit our supply chain to 100% rPET bottles when we started in 2012. Our goal was to draw a line in the sand and be a catalyst towards the increased adoption of recycled content, and almost a decade later, this also led to the launch of our OceanPlast line, which focused specifically on coastal diversion and collection. The cost implication was significant, but in our mind, the benefits are worthwhile – 100% post-consumer recycled PET dramatically lowers emissions, water and energy use compared to virgin plastic and other materials, while completely reducing the need to produce more fossil fuels. It is abundantly clear that it is the best available packaging solution according to all peer-reviewed LCAs. It also has the lowest total environmental and economic switching cost here in Hawaii, and can be recycled almost infinitely with the most negligible material loss across packaging types. If the entire industry were to switch to 100% rPET and we improved bottle redemption programmes that have been so successful in improving collection rates, while at the same time lobbying for a federal bottle bill, the positive environmental impacts would be gargantuan. The importance of a closed-loop ecosystem across all materials cannot be understated. We acknowledge there is no perfect solution when it comes to packaging in the beverage and great consumer packaged goods industry, but the goal should be to do the best we can with the information we have and reduce our impact as much as possible. Better to light a candle than curse the darkness. Beyond water, you also offer sparkling water and coffee. How do these fit into the Waiākea identity? All of our products, including sparkling water and coffee, align with brand pillars – Live Healthy, Live Sustainably and Live Ethically. Sparkling is offered in sustainable, refillable high-grade extrusion bottles that we recommend be reused with our bulk boxes or at home. Our coffee is sourced from Hawaii family farms and roasted using our smokeless roast process to reduce emissions. We decided to also launch the ready-to-drink latte items to disrupt the decadent coffee space, which is loaded with sugar, by offering a 70% lower sugar content while still giving that indulgent experience, but with a simple ingredient panel without all the fillers.   Looking to the future, what are Waiākea’s priorities for growth – whether in new products, markets, or impact initiatives? Waiākea’s priorities for growth are to help contribute to a better future for people and the planet, but what I’m most excited about at the moment is the convergence of packaging innovation and climate-smart distribution. We have a few big announcements over the next 12 months, one big one having to do with carbon-negative inks and algae. With that said, the future is much more than just a better bottle, it’s a smarter ecosystem that connects sourcing, packaging and logistics into a transparent and optimised system.

Viking has entered an exclusive agreement with Costa Coffee to distribute the coffee chain’s new Podio X1 professional coffee machine to offices and workplaces across the UK. The deal, which runs until the end of December 2025, grants Viking exclusive distribution rights for the Podio X1 machine, with non-exclusive rights to continue beyond that period. As part of the partnership, Viking will also distribute Costa Coffee’s capsules and beans and provide online support for workplace customers. Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, the Podio X1 is a compact tabletop machine, producing up to 25 cups a day. It uses a patented capsule system featuring pre-infusion and double-filtration technology, aimed at delivering barista-style coffee quickly and consistently. Sam O'Brien, managing director of EMENA and away-from-home for Costa Coffee, said: “I am pleased to announce the launch of the Podio X1 machine from Costa Coffee Professional, designed to make great coffee simple – wherever people come together". "Coffee has always been about connection and Podio X1 helps bring those shared moments into workplaces and hospitality spaces. I’m pleased to bring Podio X1 to market with support from our new distributor in the UK, Viking. “ Jonathan Metcalfe, managing director at Viking UK&I, added: “Coffee is part of the daily routine for millions of UK workers. We’re delighted to offer Costa Coffee’s workplace solutions to our business customers and help them create the best working environment for their teams." The proposed agreement includes an exclusivity clause until the end of December 2025.

SodaStream has entered the fruit Schorlen market with the launch of its new Apple Schorlen-Mix and Grape Schorlen-Mix syrups, which are packaged for the first time in aseptic carton bottles. The move marks the sparkling water maker’s latest step toward more sustainable packaging, using SIG’s 500ml Dome carton bottle. The SIG Dome combines the benefits of carton and bottle formats, offering a lightweight, recyclable design made primarily from FSC-certified paperboard. It also features a centrally positioned cap for easy pouring, aiming to deliver both convenience and a reduced environmental footprint. The partnership expands SodaStream’s focus on “mindful consumption,” building on its ecosystem of sparkling water makers, refillable CO₂ cylinders and reusable bottles. By switching to aseptic carton packs, the company aims to further reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Viktoria Uhl-Pochman, head of sales Austria & Switzerland at SIG, said: “We are delighted to have gained another strong partner for our packaging solutions: SodaStream. We are convinced that SodaStream spritzers in SIG Dome have the potential to offer consumers a unique and value-adding experience to create their SodaStream drinks even more responsible.” Dennis Griebling, senior product manager at SodaStream, added: "According to a recent study we conducted together with YouGov and published in our Beverage Compass ('Getränkekompass'), fruit Schorlen are the second most popular soft drink among Germans, right after Cola. We now serve this segment with Mix for fruit Schorlen in carton packs, which also score points for their good eco profile.”

In a move to bolster production capabilities, Carlsberg Britvic has announced a £20 million investment in a new soft drinks canning line at its Rugby factory. This expansion, which includes a building extension, will create 34 new jobs and brings the total investment in the site to over £60 million in the past five years. The new canning line will enhance the factory's production capacity, increasing output from 560,000 to 610,000 canned soft drinks per hour. This upgrade will facilitate the production of popular beverages, including Tango and Pepsi MAX, reinforcing Carlsberg Britvic’s position in the competitive soft drinks market. Located on the Glebe Farm Industrial Estate, the Rugby facility is already a major employer in the region, with the new roles in engineering and manufacturing expected to increase the workforce to over 430 employees. Recruitment for these positions is currently underway. Nigel Paine, VP of production at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “This investment underscores our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in our supply chain. By expanding our production capacity, we can meet the growing demand for our popular brands, create more jobs and enhance our operational efficiency.” This expansion follows a series of investments aimed at strengthening the company's production capabilities, including a £1.15 million investment earlier this year, a £13 million canning line in 2023, and a £27 million canning line in 2021. These efforts are part of Carlsberg Britvic’s broader strategy to enhance its supply chain and maintain its competitive edge in the beverage industry. John Slinger, MP for Rugby, added: “They are a significant employer in the Rugby community, and this announcement means more jobs for our area, opportunities for young people and of course more of some of the nation's favourite soft drinks”. Minister for Investment Jason Stockwood also commented on the announcement, describing it as a strong endorsement of the UK’s F&B sector, which is the largest manufacturing industry in the country. “Not only will their expansion boost production, but it will strengthen the supply chain and help drive economic growth,” he said. The Rugby factory benefits from its strategic location near packaging supplier Ardagh Group, facilitating efficient logistics through an underground passage for can deliveries. This setup not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with Carlsberg Britvic’s commitment to sustainability, supported by a government grant for green initiatives. Additionally, the company has invested £4 million in a new logistics hub located at Junction 12 of the M6, further optimising its supply chain.

Welsh brewery and meadery Hive Mind has released Second Breakfast, a coffee honey stout made in collaboration with Rave Coffee. Brewed with seven types of malt, Welsh honey, rolled oats and Rave’s signature coffee blend, the new beer is described as a light, sessionable autumn stout with roasted depth, smooth sweetness and balanced coffee bitterness. The aroma, according to the brewery, 'blurs the line between barista and brewer'. Hive Mind co-founder Kit Newell said: “This beer celebrates the natural kinship between roasted malt and coffee. Working with Rave was the perfect fit. We share the same commitment to authenticity, quality and flavour innovation. Collaborations like this aren’t just about brewing a beer, they’re about building connections with other independent makers who inspire us.” Second Breakfast joins Hive Mind’s range of honey-based beers, including Nectar, Big Smoke and The Pollinator. It is available from Hive Mind’s website, priced at £4.50 for a 375ml bottle.

PepsiCo is bringing a sweet twist to the savoury snacks aisle this Christmas with the launch of Doritos Gingerbread, the brand’s first-ever limited-edition festive flavour. Available from 6th October, Doritos Gingerbread combines the brand’s signature crunch with the warming spice of gingerbread. PepsiCo says the unique flavour pairing aims to blur the lines between sweet and savoury snacking, driving category disruption and impulse purchases during the key holiday trading period. The limited-edition Doritos variant headlines a wider seasonal line-up that also includes two new Walkers flavours – Emmental Cheese and Beef Wellington – both launching in five-pack multipacks. Meanwhile, Sensations Honey Glazed Ham returns to shelves in 150g sharing bags following strong seasonal demand in previous years. “Christmas is a time of togetherness and joy – and our festive snack range is designed to reflect just that,” said Rob Pothier, marketing director at PepsiCo. “With bold new flavours like Doritos Gingerbread, Walkers Emmental Cheese and Walkers Beef Wellington, we’re tapping into consumer curiosity for special flavours and formats while supporting retailers in driving sales during the festive season.” The limited-edition range will be available from 6th October. The Walkers 5-pack Emmental Cheese and Walkers 5-pack Beef Wellington will both retail at £2.15, while the Sensations Honey Glazed Ham will be available as a 150g share bag at £2.50 and the Doritos Gingerbread is a 180g share bag, also at £2.50.

US-based vending machine manufacturer VMFS USA has expanded its line-up with touchscreen vending machines featuring digital advertising capabilities and advanced ID verification, aiming to meet the demands of modern, unattended retail environments. The new units are designed to help businesses operate 24/7 while serving customers in regulated categories. The machines feature digital displays capable of showing video content, promotional material or third-party ads. Certain models also include ID scanning and facial recognition, giving operators the ability to control access to age-restricted products. VMFS USA’s latest offerings focus on niche food and speciality items, including boba tea, ramen and pizza. The machines are suited for high-traffic locations such as airports, college campuses and entertainment districts, providing self-service options without the need for on-site staff. All units are MDB-compatible, configurable through the company’s Custom Vending Machines platform and equipped with remote inventory monitoring, cashless payment and programmable screen content. Jose Perez, director of operations at VMFS USA, said: "These new models are a response to what our customers have been asking for – vending systems that serve specialised use cases while also offering more control and flexibility". The ad-enabled and age verification machines are currently available through the VMFS USA online store.

Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) is a proven and adaptable technology for removing solids, oils and other contaminants from wastewater – and is particularly valued in sectors such as food and beverage for its ability to handle seasonal load variations. Xylem RT Rental DAF systems are specifically engineered to efficiently remove Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Fats, Oils and Greases (FOG) from wastewater streams. To explore DAF’s role in modern treatment strategies, Refreshment spoke with Mohamed Sameh, business development manager for vertical expansion, water solutions and services at Xylem. Watch our Drinktec 2025 interview below: Mohamed also joined an in-depth technical session with FoodBev Media on tackling wastewater challenges in the food and beverage industry. The full webinar is available to watch on-demand below.

Lipton Teas and Infusions has agreed to transfer ownership of its two tea processing factories in Türkiye’s Rize region to local tea producer Öz-Gür Çay, pending approval from local authorities. The facilities, which handle drying and cutting of a minority portion of Lipton’s locally sourced tea, would continue to process tea leaves for the company under the proposed arrangement. Lipton said the move aligns with its global strategy to focus on its core activities of selecting, blending and selling tea, rather than owning processing factories. All finished Turkish tea, including that from the Rize sites, is already sent to Lipton’s blending and packaging facility in Sakarya. The €30 million state-of-the-art site opened earlier this year and remains central to the company’s operations in Türkiye. Top image: © Lipton Teas and Infusions

Campbell's cracker graham brand Goldfish has partnered with Peanuts – the classic comic strip created by Charles M Schulz – to release a limited-edition snack celebrating Peanuts’ 75th anniversary. The new product combines peppermint and cocoa flavours in graham snacks shaped like the signature Goldfish, alongside two new designs inspired by Snoopy – his face and paw. The brand says the seasonal product blends “holiday nostalgia with festive flavour”. Mike Fanelli, senior director at Goldfish, said: “Goldfish lovers look forward to our limited time offers, and we’re excited to give them something new to celebrate this holiday season. Goldfish and Peanuts bring together two family favorite brands. The nostalgic charm of Snoopy and the comforting taste of peppermint cocoa deliver a snack that will get the whole family into the holiday spirit.” The collaboration follows other themed partnerships from Goldfish, including tie-ins with Hello Kitty, Elf and Harry Potter. The limited-edition Goldfish Snoopy Peppermint Cocoa Grahams will be available from November at national retailers across the US for a suggested retail price of $3.69 per 6.1oz bag.

Kerry Group is set to open its first Pennsylvania manufacturing facility in Hanover Township, Northampton County. The multi-million-dollar plant will focus on coffee roasting and extraction and is expected to create 61 new jobs. The company is leasing a former Martin Bauer Group building and will retain 16 employees from the previous operation. The state of Pennsylvania is supporting the project with $516,880, including a $316,880 Pennsylvania First grant and a $200,000 WEDnetPA grant for workforce training. Kerry has also been encouraged to apply for the Manufacturing Tax Credit Program. John Cahalane, president and CEO of Kerry North America, said: “With this acquisition, Kerry is enhancing production capabilities and leveraging advanced technologies to meet the rising demand for all-natural coffee ingredients across multiple markets, ultimately driving business growth and innovation". "We are especially proud to partner with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, whose support has been instrumental in making this expansion possible. This collaboration reinforces our belief that Bethlehem is the right place to grow our coffee business and deepen our commitment to sustainable nutrition and local community development.” Lehigh Valley hosts more than 100 international companies, with food and beverage producers forming a major part of the region’s manufacturing sector. Other global brands in the area include Coca-Cola, Ocean Spray, Boston Beer Co, Freshpet, Just Born, Bakerly/Norac Foods and Bimbo Bakeries. Gov Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania secretary of community and economic development, Rick Siger, highlighted the Kerry investment as a boost to the state’s manufacturing and food production industry and local job market.

Popeyes has announced plans to expand its presence in Mexico with over 300 new restaurants across the Northwest, West, Central and Southeast regions over the next decade. The expansion will be led by several regional franchise groups: Star Louisiana in Jalisco, Border Crunch in the Northwest, Grupo Euro in the Central region and Grupo Berny in the Southeast. Duncan Montero, president of Restaurant Brands International (RBI) for Latin America and the Caribbean, said the agreements reflect confidence in Mexico’s growing quick-service market and the experience of the local franchisees. "Mexico represents a tremendous growth opportunity for Popeyes," Montero said. "And we're thrilled to be partnering with experienced and passionate franchisees who share our vision." "Our unique New Orleans-style menu, including Popeyes famous chicken – freshly prepared, marinated for at least 12 hours, battered and breaded by hand with our seasonings, and slow cooked to perfection – resonates deeply with guests. We're confident in our ability to win in Mexico over the long term." The roll-out is expected to create thousands of jobs and bring Popeyes’ chicken sandwich to new areas. The brand currently operates in more than 45 countries, with recent openings in Costa Rica, Italy and the Balkans.