US holding company Golden Grail Technology has announced the acquisition of Tickle Water, a flavoured sparkling water brand aimed at children. Founded in 2016, Tickle Water offers natural, flavoured sparkling water that is free of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, sodium, calories, GMOs, gluten and sugar, while also being certified OU Kosher. The brand’s line-up includes orange mango, green apple, watermelon, grape and natural sparkling water. Golden Grail’s chief marketing consultant, Erin Heit, said: “Tickle Water is the fourth and latest addition to our rapidly growing and already robust beverage portfolio of functional healthy brands. We are excited about Tickle Water, which adds another premium beverage offering to a new demographic, children.” She continued: “In addition to our plans for re-launching the thousands of established retailers that previously carried Tickle Water, Golden Grail plans to market Tickle Water responsibly to tweens”. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. #GoldenGrailTechnology #TickleWater #US

US juice brand Jamba and robotics firm Blendid have unveiled two new autonomous robotic smoothie kiosk locations at educational institutions in Georgia. The new locations are at Georgia College in Milledgeville and Kennesaw State University in Marietta. They mark the first Jamba by Blendid openings on college campuses, with the other pilot kiosk locations including a shopping mall and a big box retailer. According to Jamba, this marks a “significant step” as the companies look to open more Jamba by Blendid kiosks in gyms, hospitals and airports. The kiosk uses machine learning, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to offer a wide array of nutritious food options, made on demand, that can be customised to consumers’ lifestyle and taste preferences. Vipin Jain, CEO and co-founder of Blendid, said: “By utilising robotics and AI technology, we can achieve our team’s mission to make delicious and customised food accessible to all. We’re thrilled to have accomplished this at the first two Jamba by Blendid pilot locations, and the positive guest feedback validates the potential of our robotic kiosks at a variety of different locations across the country.” The smoothies are available in 14oz servings and consumers can place orders either in person or through Blendid’s mobile app. #Blendid #Jamba #kiosk

Azkoyen Group has completed its Vitro coffee machine range with the launch of a new compact automatic coffee machine with fresh milk, called the Vitro S1 MIA. The Vitro S1, which features an automatic cleaning process for the fresh milk system, includes a micro-injection air technology, allowing consumers to prepare a wide range of drinks, such as cappuccinos and latte macchiatos. The coffee machine allows the “density and consistency” of the foam, and hot and cold temperatures to be programmed. According to Azkoyen Group, the Vitro S1 is perfect for convenience stores, petrol stations, hotels and restaurants, with consumption of up to 80 cups per day. The new technology is also ideal for offices with up to 40 people. #AzkoyenGroup #coffeemachine

Cleaning equipment supplier Kärcher has become the “lead investor” in Mysoda, taking a stake in the Finnish company, which manufactures sparkling water makers for the consumer market. Mysoda makes its sparkling water machines from a wood-based and renewable material, and uses no fossil plastic in production. The company also manufactures flavour concentrates and CO2 cylinders to go with its machines. Mysoda CEO, David Solomon, said: “Kärcher shares our conviction of putting sustainability first, and I get really excited thinking about our cooperation and opportunities. They have decades of experience in sustainability, brand building, marketing and expanding to new markets.” He continued: “After all the start-up pains, it also feels really good to make the move from an underfunded start-up to a well-capitalised growth company. We compete with bigger companies, and thanks to this substantial minority investment, now we have the resources to stand our ground.” Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Mysoda sells its products in a large number of markets, including the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria and Italy. #Kärcher #MySoda #sparklingwatermaker

UK functional tea brand Kaytea has released an organic cold brew iced tea that is inspired by the flavours of rosé wine. The beverage, named Sparkling Rosay, features “a subtle fizz and hints of pink guava that morph into well-balanced notes of roses”. The release is made from natural, vegan-friendly ingredients and contains 94% rose tea infusion, as well as concentrated sweet potato, radish, apple and cherry. The drink is both caffeine and alcohol-free but can work as either an alcohol alternative or a botanical mixer. Sparkling Rosay Organic Cold Brew Tea is available for an RRP of £29.99 for 24 bottles on the brand’s website. #Kaytea #UK

US energy drink brand Zoa, which is owned by Molson Coors, has added two new flavours to its portfolio: white peach and tropical punch. The carbonated beverage flavours feature zero sugar, antioxidants, a blend of vitamins, and natural caffeine from green tea and green coffee. Zoa beverages also contain turmeric, camu camu, which includes 100% of the daily value of vitamin C, as well as B vitamins. “We’ve always been mindful about what we put into our bodies and constantly fine tune what will maximise our performance, not only in the gym but in all aspects of life,” said Zoa founder, Dwayne Johnson. “Creating a better-for-you energy drink that consists of powerful ingredients with essential vitamins and natural caffeine was deeply important to us – and we’ve dedicated our time and passion to making it happen.” The new variants join Zoa’s other flavours, including original, super berry, lemon lime, wild orange and pineapple coconut. Zoa can be found at Speedway, Circle K, EG America and many other stores in the US. RRP $29.98 for a 12-pack. #MolsonCoorsBeverageCompany #MolsonCoors #US #energydrinks #Zoa #flavours

Swiss vending and automation company, Invenda Group, has raised CHF 7 million (approx. $7.59 million) in a funding round, which will support growth in sales and development. Available in 14 countries, Invenda develops software and hardware for vending machines, smart kiosks and digital signage. The funding round was led by former Emmi CEO Walter Huber and financial specialist Gregor Greber. Invenda says the funding will bolster confidence among core investors in both its corporate culture and global expansion plans. “Our goal was to collect 3 million francs by the end of 2021, but now the amount is more than double,” said Invenda’s founder and CEO Jon Brezinski. “We are changing the way customers are engaged, creating smarter ways to manage inventory and maintenance, and using our imaginations to expand the entire industry.” #Emmi #Invenda #Switzerland

McDonald's and Beyond Meat have partnered to launch a plant-based burger in the UK. The fast food chain says the McPlant has been three years in the making, with the burger being created using Beyond Meat's meatless patty, as well as its innovative vegan cheese based on pea protein, which is said to taste just like McDonald's cheese slices. The burger comes complete with a new vegan sauce.   The McPlant features: a vegan sesame bun, mustard, ketchup, vegan burger sauce, fresh onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato and vegan cheese. The plant-based offering is also cooked separately from the company's other burgers, with dedicated tools and equipment.  Michelle Graham-Clare, chief marketing officer, McDonald’s UK and Ireland said: “We’re so pleased to be finally launching McPlant in the UK and Ireland. As with every McDonald’s offering, we take our time to ensure it meets the highest standards and is something that all our customers will enjoy." She added: "We are always looking for different ways to innovate and meet our customers’ needs, and with McPlant we have a delicious plant-based burger that will appeal to everyone. Whether you’re vegan or just fancy a plant-based patty, we’re confident you will enjoy the McPlant.” Earlier this year, Beyond Meat signed new global strategic agreements with McDonald’s and Yum! Brands to add its McPlant to the fast-food chains. In 2019, McDonald’s partnered with Beyond Meat to trial a new plant-based burger called the P.L.T in Canada. The McPlant burger will be trialled in 10 restaurants in Coventry, before rolling out to a further 250+ restaurants from 13 October, with an aim to become available nationwide by 2022.