Nicola West The UK soft drinks market is thriving, currently valued at over £13 billion, with milkshakes contributing a substantial £650 million to that figure. Once seen as a niche indulgence, milkshakes are now a dynamic category, evolving in response to shifting consumer habits and broader lifestyle trends. Nicola West, head of frozen milkshake brand F’real, shares her perspective on how milkshakes are evolving within the soft drinks market. Milkshakes have always held a special place in consumers’ hearts as a nostalgic treat. But today, they are more than just a sweet indulgence – they are becoming a convenient, on-the-go option for busy lives. Increasingly, consumers are picking up a shake not only to satisfy a craving but also to fit into their daily routines. Whether it’s a long drive, a hectic commute or a quick break between errands, milkshakes are emerging as the perfect pick-me-up. Historically, many purchases have come from convenience retailers like One Stop and Co-op, enjoying the grab-and-go experience. More recently, the growth of delivery platforms such as UberEats and Deliveroo has added another route to purchase, allowing milkshakes to reach consumers at home. This expansion into delivery doesn’t replace the in-store experience, it complements it. In fact, in-store remains the main channel, particularly where the purchase is part of an interactive or personal moment. Nostalgia and consumer choice In our digital-first, health-conscious era where smartwatches nudge us to take more steps and apps track every bite, treats still hold an essential place in our routines. We can’t be 'good' all the time, and indulgent moments offer comfort, joy and a sense of escape. Milkshakes deliver exactly that. They are a reminder that balance is key, and that a little indulgence can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. Nostalgia plays a powerful role in consumer decision-making. While innovation in flavour is important, the best-sellers remain the timeless classics: strawberry, chocolate and vanilla; the triple threat no milkshake menu should be without. These flavours evoke memories of childhood, simpler times and familiar comforts. Trend reports also highlight the rise of nostalgic NPD, with launches inspired by retro favourites gaining traction across categories. Another strength of milkshakes is their versatility. They are not confined to a single occasion – they’re enjoyed mid-morning, at lunch or as an evening treat. Lunchtime, however, stands out as the key ‘milkshake moment,’ with over a third of purchases occurring between 11am and 3pm. This midday window is a prime opportunity for consumers to pause, recharge and indulge, whether it’s part of a daily routine or a Friday reward. For some, it’s a ritual; for others, it’s a spontaneous celebration of that halfway point in the day. The broader soft drinks market is also seeing dynamic growth, especially in frozen and chilled beverages. Smoothies and fruit-based drinks are leading the charge, reflecting a growing demand for refreshment that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Innovation on the horizon Looking ahead, category innovation opportunities are endless. Whether its expanding flavour ranges, exploring functional or plant-based options, and trialing new formats to enhancing the in-store experience, brands must stay ahead of the curve. This means paying close attention to consumer behaviour, monitoring wider market trends and exploring new approaches within the category. Indulgence often resonates most when it remains simple, satisfying and accessible. In today’s fast-paced and digitally driven world, those moments of indulgence matter more than ever. For the wider soft drinks market, milkshakes are thriving rather than just surviving, reflecting consumer appetite for flavour, fun, and the freedom to treat themselves.

Vivreau has expanded its professional filter range with the launch of two new High Capacity High Flow (HCHF) filters designed for hot and cold applications in the food and beverage industry. The Purity HCHF Hot and Cold Filters are intended to support cafés, restaurants and other operators that rely on consistent water quality for drinks and food preparation. The hot filter is engineered for brewing coffee and tea, steaming food and protecting equipment from scale build-up. It can also be used with most commercial ice machines. Meanwhile, the cold filter has been developed to provide ingredient water for cold brew and other chilled beverages, ensuring consistent taste while keeping pace with high-volume service. Both filters are NSF-certified and made in the US. They feature tool-free installation, while the accompanying Purity HCHF Filter Head offers reversible flow, a built-in level and a valve-in-head design to simplify filter changes. Anastasia Chovan, VP of sales at Vivreau Professional Filter, said: “With the Purity HCHF Hot and Cold Filters, cafés and foodservice operators now have a reliable, USA-made alternative to leading brands, offering consistent water quality and better cost certainty in an evolving market”.

Bain Capital’s Special Situations unit, the investor behind Gail’s and PizzaExpress, has submitted a first-round bid for Costa Coffee, according to a report in the Financial Times . Coca-Cola recently announced that it is reportedly exploring the sale of Costa Coffee , which it acquired in 2018 for over $5 billion. The company is working with investment bank Lazard on the process. FT said that other interested parties reportedly include TDR Capital, owner of Asda, while Apollo is understood to have opted out. Founded in London more than five decades ago, Costa is the UK’s biggest coffee chain, with over 2,700 outlets in the UK and Ireland. Despite international expansion and a ready-to-drink product line, the brand has faced mounting costs and weaker consumer spending in recent years. Last month, CEO James Quincey announced: “We are reflecting on what we’ve learned and exploring new avenues to expand within the coffee category while maintaining the Costa brand's integrity". Bain Capital’s Special Situations unit, created in 2018 to manage complex assets, now oversees $21.6 billion in funds. It became majority owner of Gail’s parent company Bread Holdings in 2021 and is also an investor in PizzaExpress.

Nutrition technology company L-Nutra has launched the Prolon L bar – a plant-based protein bar formulated to support muscle health and healthy ageing as well as fuelling workouts. While most protein products focus on quantity, highlighting the amount of protein in grams and the amount of calories, L-Nutra pointed to emerging longevity science suggesting that too much of the wrong kind of protein can accelerate ageing by overstimulating key growth pathways like IGF-1 and mTOR. Meanwhile, too little protein may fail to adequately support muscle maintenance and overall strength. The L-Protein Bar is formulated to provide the ‘perfect balance’ of amino acids from plant-based sources to deliver the right nutrients designed to enhance longevity, created by scientists at the USC Longevity Institute. It includes a diverse blend of plant proteins from black beans, chickpeas and peas, and is fortified with l-methionine – an essential amino acid that is commonly low or missing in vegan diets and other vegan protein supplements. The targeted formulation aims to maintain a balanced growth factor response while delivering complete protein support for muscle and tissue health. Each bar contains 14g of protein, 170 kcal, and is made without added sugars, sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. It is naturally sweetened with whole dates for a rich flavour and a more balanced glycemic response. In addition to being plant-based, the bar is gluten-free, soya-free, non-GMO and made with heart-healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil and cocoa butter. It is initially available in a rich Chocolate Coated flavour, featuring a 100% dark chocolate layer, with additional flavours planned as part of L-Nutra’s expanding Longevity Nutrition platform – a product suite designed to help consumers integrate clinically backed nutrition into daily life.

The Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA) has confirmed changes to its leadership team following its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held near Solihull last Thursday, 25 September. Matt Stimpson, sales director at Thirsty Work, has been elected as the association’s new chair. Stimpson, who has served on the WHA executive council for the past five years, succeeds Jon Wicks, who steps down after eight years in the role. Members also elected Cath James, production, quality and technical director at Eden Springs, as deputy chair. James, who has served on the executive council for three years, will support Stimpson in delivering the association’s priorities, bringing expertise in technical compliance, regulatory affairs and supplier assurance. Commenting on his appointment, Stimpson said: “I am honoured to be elected as chair and grateful for the trust placed in me. I aim to build on the excellent work undertaken by Jon Wicks and continue strengthening the WHA’s position as the leading industry body." "My focus will be on finding ways to help members make and save money through AI, automation, people development and enhanced technical capability, while also supporting the industry as UK and European legislation continues to evolve.” WHA general manager Phillipa Clow praised the outgoing chair’s contribution, noting that the Association had “gone from strength to strength” under Wicks’s leadership.

Starbucks has announced plans to shut underperforming coffeehouses and cut around 900 corporate roles in North America as part of its “Back to Starbucks” restructuring plan. In a message to employees, chief executive Brian Niccol confirmed that a review of the company’s North America coffeehouse portfolio had identified underperforming sites that will now be closed. The move will reduce Starbucks’ company-operated store count in the region by around 1% in fiscal year 2025, leaving nearly 18,300 outlets across the US and Canada. “Closing any location is difficult,” Niccol said, adding that employees affected by store closures would be offered transfers to nearby sites where possible. For those unable to be redeployed, the company will provide severance packages and support. At the same time, Starbucks will cut approximately 900 non-retail roles and close many currently open positions as it works to reduce overheads. The redundancies will mainly affect corporate and support functions, and affected staff will be notified immediately and offered severance and benefits extensions. The company emphasised that the measures are designed to redirect resources toward frontline staff, known internally as “green apron partners,” and to fund investments in store refurbishments, service and design. Starbucks plans to upgrade more than 1,000 stores over the next year, introducing new layouts and designs aimed at encouraging customers to stay longer. Despite the closures and job losses, the company said it expects to return to net growth in store numbers in fiscal year 2026 as it continues to expand its presence across North America. “These steps are necessary to build a better, stronger and more resilient Starbucks,” the Niccol said.

FoodBev Media is delighted to announce the winners of this year's highly anticipated World Coffee Innovation Awards , a celebration of forward thinking and excellence within the coffee industry. This event, which features revolutionary ideas, outstanding products, technological advancements and sustainable business practices, has become a trademark of innovation in the global coffee community.   The winners of this year's award were announced at the Caffe Culture Show in the incredible Business Design Centre, the trade event that spotlights the UK speciality coffee and café bar market. As we celebrate the industry breakers who have elevated the coffee experience, FoodBev would like to congratulate all winners, finalists and commended companies.   As well as the award ceremony, the World Coffee Innovation Awards featured at Caffé Culture with an exceptional showcase stand, exhibiting the amazing entrants from past and present for attendees to experience. Visitors were queuing up to get their hands on The Good Cup, try the iced strawberry matcha from Mafia Matcha alongside the incredible flavours courtesy of Monin and coffee-flavoured New Forest Shortbread. We also had an incredible display of products from multi-award-winning COCCOLA and Mindfuel, as well as exhibitions of the newest releases from Fellow and Vitclear. Dan Bunt, marketing director of FoodBev Media, presented the awards ceremony at the Caffè Insights stage at 4 pm (BST) earlier today. Dan commented: "2025 hallmarks another remarkable year for the World Coffee Innovation Awards. The judges and I continue to be impressed by the level of advancement”   Find the final positions of every shortlisted entry below:   FINALISTS Automatic coffee machine Fellow – Series 1 Espresso Machine   Barista milk Edenesque –  Barista Blend Pistachio Milk PT Lautan Natural Krimerindo –  Ellenka Barista Series Coconut Milk   Coffee capsule/pod Qinhu Atomic Biotechnology (Jiangsu) Co. - Zhi Xiao Lu · Classic Espresso Essence   Coffee-flavoured food product New Forest Shortbread -  Coffee flavoured New Forest Shortbread   Cold Brew product GoodBrew - GoodBrew GoodGut Latte   Functional coffee High Level Coffee - French Roast CBD Coffee Beforeyouspeak –  Performance Coffee Seaguth Elixirs -  Sunrise Vanilla Latte   Low/no Caffeine product Dualit - Dualit Half Caffeine Coffee Pods   Ready-to-drink product Mindfuelbev Ltd - Mindfuel Flow® stress & mood Yili Group - ZhenNong Thick Milk Yili Group - Milk Talk coffee latte   Packaging innovation Owens Coffee - Owens Organic Coffee   Technology innovation Kefircoffee Ltd - Kefircoffee® – The World’s First-to-Market Coffee Technology JBT Marel - SuperStatic Technology for Static and Agitating Retorts   Branding/packaging design Boardio - Paperboard Canister for Mother Parkers and Target     WINNERS Automatic coffee machine Eversys – Legacy+ Machine   Barista milk Sky Barn – +Adaptogens Oat Milk   Barista tool/ equipment SPARKFE INTERNATIONAL -  Portable Electric Coffee Grinder   Coffee capsule/pod DAYS –  DAYS Espresso Capsules Trio   Coffee-flavoured food product SugarBean Candy -  Coffee Bean Brûlée | Double Shot   Cold Brew product Unconform -  Unconform Cold Brew Flat White   Coffee dilutable product Lost Sheep Coffee -  Lost Sheep Espresso Coffee Concentrate   Functional coffee Kefircoffee Ltd - Kefircoffee® – The World’s First Full-Coffee Functional Beverage    Low/no Caffeine product Mindfuelbev Ltd - Mindfuel Flow® focus & clarity   Manual coffee machine Dualit   - Dualit Espressivo Pro Coffee Machine   Ready-to-drink product GoodBrew -  GoodBrew Coconut Latte   Brewing innovation SPARKFE INTERNATIONAL COMPANY - SPARKFE Portable Electric Grind & Hand-Pour Coffee All-In-One   Flavour innovation COCCOLA –  COCCOLA   Packaging innovation Parkside Flexibles - Recoflex™ Coffee Portfolio    Roasting innovation BeanGo Cube - Smart Home Coffee Roaster   Technology innovation Hard Beans – Hardtap   Branding/packaging design Coffee Foundation - Coffee Foundation Call Us Crazy! Coffee shop concept Cartisan Carts – The Richmond   Marketing/social media campaign GoodBrew - Get your GoodBrew and go 🏃‍♀️ social video   New start-up business COCCOLA   Speciality coffee roaster Boxx Coffee Roasters - Boxx Coffee Roasters   Sustainability Initiative Parkside Flexibles - Recoflex™ Coffee Portfolio    Event partner: Caffe Culture Show Caffè Culture Show is the UK’s leading trade event for the speciality coffee and thriving café bar market. Hosted at London’s iconic Business Design Centre, the show welcomes 3,500+ coffee and hospitality professionals who are all looking to source the latest innovative products and services whilst being inspired by a unique and educational programme of talks, demos and interactive features. FoodBev Awards has taken the World Coffee Innovation Awards to the next level and presented shortlisted companies in our dedicated World Coffee Innovation Awards feature area. This provided a physical platform to showcase, network and celebrate their innovations. About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are now recognised as the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com  or email awards@foodbev.com

Hamburg-based appliance manufacturer Ciarra has introduced BloomBox, a portable espresso machine designed to offer barista-style coffee both at home and on the go. The machine features a dual-power system that can operate via AC connection or a built-in battery. When plugged in, users can select from three brewing temperatures – 95°C, 92°C or 85°C – while the battery option enables cordless use, producing up to 60 espressos per charge with pre-heated water. BloomBox also supports cold-water extraction for iced coffee. Equipped with a 15-bar pressure system, the machine is designed to deliver crema and flavour similar to professional café equipment. Its components, including the brew head and powder chamber, are fully washable and a magnetic side panel doubles as a dust cover. According to the company, the product’s name references both the coffee “bloom” process and its box-shaped design. A Ciarra spokesperson said: "We designed Bloombox for urban explorers who expect great-tasting, reliable coffee that fits effortlessly into their dynamic routines – whether they're working from home, or exploring the outdoors. It makes brewing intuitive and enjoyable – just snap it on, bloom it up." BloomBox is sold exclusively through Ciarra’s website.

Poland is set to launch a nationwide deposit return system (DRS) in 2026, and reverse vending machine manufacturer Rekbot has partnered with industrial computing specialist Arbor to accelerate deployment of its new technology. The collaboration was initiated by Maritex, Arbor's exclusive authorised distributor in Poland. After receiving Rekbot’s project requirements, Maritex identified Arbor as the right partner based on product quality, stability, competitive pricing and reliable delivery times. The new policy, which will require a deposit on beverage containers that is refunded upon return, is expected to increase demand for reverse vending machines. Rekbot sought a compact, powerful and easy-to-integrate solution to compete in the market. Rekbot selected Arbor's SB-244-1N97 controller, designed to streamline complex hardware integrations. With all I/O ports located on one side, the controller simplifies cable routing and reduces deployment time. In addition, Arbor provided technical support and added an externally accessible 4G SIM card slot, removing the need to open the machine’s chassis for maintenance and reducing service costs and downtime. "Time-to-market was our biggest concern," said a representative from Rekbot. "We needed a reliable partner who understood the complexities of our system, from integrating multiple peripherals to simplifying cable management. Arbor's solution was the perfect fit." Charles Chen, EMEA sales manager for Arbor, added: "Our goal is always to provide practical solutions that solve real-world problems for our customers. By working closely with Rekbot, we were able to deliver a solution that not only meets their technical needs but also helps them achieve a faster, more efficient product launch."

Lavazza-owned coffee system brand Flavia has launched the latest version of its Aroma Brewer, a countertop machine designed to deliver a wider variety of hot and cold beverages. The updated brewer, unveiled this week, features a smaller footprint and modern design aimed at fitting into kitchens, home offices, small workplaces and shared spaces. It offers more than 20 drinks, including coffee, lattes, real-leaf teas, hot chocolate and over-ice options. The system uses Flavia’s Freshpack technology, which seals ingredients in single-use packs that act as self-contained brewing chambers. According to the company, this prevents flavour transfer between drinks and allows for quick, low-mess brewing. Alongside the brewer, Flavia has introduced Lavazza Momento – a Freshpack line created specifically for the system to meet consumer demand for larger 12oz servings. The line includes three coffee options: Momento Passion (light roast), Momento Romance (medium roast) and Momento Elegance (dark roast). Daniele Foti, VP of marketing at Lavazza North America, said: "The Flavia Aroma Brewer was thoughtfully redesigned with elegant details, a refined silhouette and a smaller counter footprint to fit seamlessly into today's modern spaces". "With Aroma, you don't have to choose between premium quality and drink variety. Flavia delivers both in one easy-to-use system designed to meet the evolving needs of today's consumers." The Flavia Aroma Brewer is available in black and cool gray finishes, priced at $169.99 or $199.99. It is currently on sale through Flavia's website and on Amazon.

Nespresso is set to be the first global coffee brand to bring Rainforest Alliance certified regenerative coffee to market, with products set to launch in 2026. The announcement follows the Rainforest Alliance’s release of its new Regenerative Agriculture Standard earlier this month. The framework sets out requirements for farms adopting practices such as planting shade trees, restoring soils and protecting biodiversity, methods aimed at building climate resilience while improving farmer livelihoods. Coffee production is increasingly under threat from rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and crop disease. Advocates say regenerative methods not only safeguard yields but can also enhance the flavour of arabica beans, which are particularly sensitive to climate disruption. The first coffees under the new certification will come from farms in Costa Rica and Mexico, including that of Yamileth Chacón, who said she has already seen tangible benefits: “By working with the trees, you see more foliage, more green and more animals.” The new seal will start appearing on Nespresso products in 2026, with the company describing the move as a milestone in its long-standing partnership with the Rainforest Alliance. Santiago Gowland, Rainforest Alliance CEO, said: "Rooted in four decades of experience in sustainable agriculture, our new Regenerative Agriculture Standard combines scientific rigor with proven regenerative practices tailored to specific crops and regions". "Our goal is to accelerate the transition to a new model of agriculture – one that helps protect, restore and regenerate the ecosystems on which we all depend. The new seal will help consumers support this transition by identifying certified products from farms adopting regenerative methods. For farmers, it offers recognised external validation for their efforts, greater market access and enhanced value for their coffee – while supporting a more resilient future for both people and nature." Jérôme Perez, head of sustainability at Nespresso, commented: "We're proud to be the first brand to source Rainforest Alliance Certified Regenerative coffee. It's a symbol of our commitment to building balanced, resilient, yet productive landscapes within our supply chain, which is essential if we're to protect the future of the world's quality coffees and the communities which depend on them." "I hope this consumer-facing seal will encourage other brands to support coffee farmers in a wide-scale regenerative transition, while also enabling consumers to become more aware of the benefits of purchasing products sourced from farms that have implemented regenerative agriculture practices" Carlos Oyanguren, president of Nespresso Canada, added: "The new Rainforest Alliance Regenerative certification offers Canadian consumers a tangible way to support coffee that not only delivers exceptional taste, but also preserves the landscapes and ecosystems where it's grown with care." "This milestone reflects our long-standing commitment to sustainable and responsible sourcing practices, while empowering farmers to build long-term resilience. It's a powerful step forward in recognizing the value of regenerative practices in the coffee industry."

Krispy Kreme has introduced two new limited-edition Biscoff doughnuts to mark ten years of partnership with Lotus Bakeries. Available until the 12 October, the new additions – Billionaires featuring Biscoff and Biscoff Cheesecake – join the existing Biscoff doughnut range. The Billionaires featuring Biscoff doughnut is filled with Biscoff and chocolate Kreme, topped with Biscoff icing, golden sugar crunch and dark chocolate. Meanwhile, the Biscoff Cheesecake doughnut is a ring doughnut dipped in Biscoff spread, finished with Biscoff-flavoured cream cheese and Biscoff crumb. Guy Meakin, Krispy Kreme's UK president, commented: "We’re overjoyed to be celebrating a decade of partnerships with Biscoff. Fans of our much loved Biscoff doughnut can celebrate, as they are in for triple the temptation with the arrival of our two newest indulgent flavours." Frances Booth, head of marketing at Lotus Bakeries UK, added: "It’s been an absolute pleasure partnering with Krispy Kreme for a decade now. We couldn’t be happier to announce our continuing collaboration, with not just one, but two new delicious doughnuts that Biscoff fans can go wild for." Both products are priced from £2.85 and can be purchased in Krispy Kreme shops, through third-party retailers and online for nationwide delivery. The brand also continues to offer its Biscoff-inspired beverages, including a creamy oat latte with Biscoff topping sauce (£3.99) and a Biscoff shake topped with cream and Biscoff crumb (£5.49), both sold exclusively in Krispy Kreme retail shops.