Research into ultra-processed foods (UPF) and their role in today’s diet is becoming an increased focus for healthcare professionals. But with a range of studies emerging and differing opinions on the matter, it can be confusing for consumers to navigate what the broad term really means.
A recent study highlighted some of these misconceptions when almost half of respondents (45 %) said they wouldn’t be able to define or identify an ultra-processed food or beverage, and the same amount said they don’t know the difference between ultra-processed and minimally processed products.
Orange juice was highlighted as one of the most common misconceptions amongst Brits in the study, with 21 % believing the drink was ultra-processed, despite being minimally processed. In the same study, 19 % even said they avoid buying orange juice as they worry it sits in the UPF category.
Award-winning nutritionist and health writer, Dr Emma Derbyshire says: ‘Some of the misunderstandings around ultra-processed foods are resulting in consumers avoiding certain products which contain healthy benefits. Products like 100 % orange juice are essential in a balanced diet and provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C and potassium, needed to help meet an individual’s nutrient needs.”
Top 5 orange juice truths:
Unlike ultra-processed products, 100 % orange juice contains no added sugars and cannot be diluted with water under European law
Fruit juice counts as one of your 5-a-day fruit and vegetables – a convenient and nutritious way to up your fruit intake
The high levels of vitamin C found naturally in fruit juice help the immune system to combat symptoms of common colds and illness and support normal skin health
Fruit juice contains potassium, which supports normal blood pressure
Drinking orange juice helps your body absorb iron from plant foods
ITO EN, a key player in Japan’s beverage industry, innovates the market with the launch of two premium beverages with bite-sized pieces in SIG SmileSmall carton packs, made possible by the SIG Drinksplus technology integrated in the SIG SmileSmall 24 Aseptic filling machine.
The two new products from ITO EN are Crunchy Smoothie, a carrot smoothie with carrot pieces, and Crispy Potage, a creamy tomato potage with onion bits. Unlike traditional juices and smoothies, both products stand out with the inclusion of real vegetable pieces which provide ITO EN’s consumers with a unique and premium drinking experience. Both new products in convenient on-the-go SIG SmileSmall carton packs are aimed to help ITO EN to capture a bigger share of the veggie juice market in Japan, currently one of the fastest growing categories in the beverage industry.
Tetsuo Yamaguchi, Brand Manager at ITO EN: “Our new products provide our consumers with a refreshingly different drinking experience – rich and satisfying with the incorporation of real vegetable pieces. The novel packaging solution and the filling technology from SIG, that allows these inclusions to be added, enables our consumers to easily supplement their vegetable intake anytime and anywhere. The SIG SmileSmall carton pack is a real eye-catcher with its curved, modern shape and easy-grip corners. It differentiates and the end result is a successful fusion of exceptional packaging and products.”
As well as being easy to carry, handle and store, and like all SIG carton packs, SIG SmileSmall carton packs are ‘sustainable by nature’, with a high share of forest-based renewable materials, 100% of the paperboard procured with FSC™-certification, a lightweight and space-saving design, produced using 100% renewable electricity, and designed to be fully recyclable. SIG aseptic carton packs are the proven lowest carbon footprint packaging choice compared with alternative packaging options*.
Angela Lu, President & General Manager Asia Pacific at SIG: “In Japan, it is vital for food and beverage companies like ITO EN to innovate the market with healthy and high-quality products, particularly for on-the-go consumption. Our SIG Drinksplus technology offers the opportunity to add value to healthy beverages with the inclusion of pieces of fruit, vegetables, nuts, or cereals, which can be easily filled into our convenient on-the-go carton packs. It opens up a plethora of new opportunities to transform and drive forward the Japanese beverage market.”
No one understands the importance of proper hydration quite like the global soccer icon, Lionel Messi. He searched for a hydration beverage and found drinks that had healthy ingredients but lacked flavour. Others tasted great but had lots of sugar and calories. He didn’t want to choose between the two. He believed a drink with better ingredients and amazing taste could inspire everyone to take better care of themselves. So, Messi went to work on a drink of his own.
(Photo: Más+ by Messi)
Today, he is finally introducing a drink like no other: Más+ by Messi, a Next-Generation Hydration Beverage. He calls it “Positive Hydration”: a balanced blend of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, and amazing taste in four sensational flavours he loves, with natural flavours, no artificial sweeteners or colours, and no caffeine.
More than a name on the label, Messi is a founder of Más+ by Messi and The Más+ Next Generation Beverage Co., along with flavour innovators from The Mark Anthony Group.
Messi chose the name Más+ from about 450 names, because it resonated with his career and the way he lives his life, always finding more to give. Más+ has more of the flavours he loves, more quality ingredients. The + stands for an extra boost of positivity, inspiration for you to enjoy more music, laughter, friends, and family and to get more out of life. Unlike others, Más+ is not made for any one moment related to sports or limited to elite athletes. It’s about getting and staying healthy in any part of your life. A core component of that is what you drink, proper hydration.
“Hydration is essential to overall wellbeing. I believe everyone deserves a drink with amazing ingredients and taste,” said Lionel Messi, Founder, Más+ by Messi. “Más+ is a drink I’m proud to share with family and friends. Because everyone deserves to feel like a champion in every part of their life.”
The global rollout of Más+ starts close to home for Messi — at a local neighborhood store in Miami where, on June 13, lucky fans will become the first in the world to score some of the first bottles and try Más+ for themselves before the drink is available anywhere else.
Más+ by Messi will be available in four flavours in 16.9 oz bottles and soon after in four-flavour variety 12-packs of cans.
With 10 calories and 1 g of cane sugar per 16.9 oz bottle, and 7 calories and less than 1 g of cane sugar per 12 oz can, Más+ offers quality ingredients without compromising on flavour or taste. The new drink comes in four vibrant flavours, loved by Messi, and named after inspirational milestones in his life:
Más+ by Messi Miami Punch: Inspired by the city where Messi and his family live, home of Messi’s current and next chapter, Miami Punch has a balanced blend of berry flavours with a hint of pineapple for a refreshing fruit punch taste.
Más+ by Messi Orange d’Or: Orange d’Or has a refreshing orange flavour with hints of tangerine flavour for a balanced citrus taste. It’s inspired by Messi’s record eight wins of the Ballon d’Or (“Golden Ball” in French) Trophy.
Más+ by Messi Berry Copa Crush: Inspired by Messi’s seven Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona and his Copa America win with Argentina, Berry Copa Crush has a refreshing blend of sweet and luscious berry and cherry flavours.
Más+ by Messi Limón Lime League: Limón Lime League balances refreshingly sweet, fruity flavour and zesty citrus taste. It honors the time Messi spent playing in the UEFA Champions League, a cup he won three times.
After two months of price drops, orange values are expected to increase again in the in natura market in June. Processing activities are likely to be intensified, since more companies have started to operate, limiting the supply of fruits in the in natura market. Players say that, although the demand is usually lower in this period, since the weather is colder, the supply in the in natura market is expected to be smaller than the demand.
Orange prices already increased in the second fortnight of May, after the release of estimates of a lower output by Fundecitrus. Thus, many producers stopped harvesting fruits for the in natura market, preferring to meet the demand from the industry.
In May, the average for the pear orange was BRL 80.22 per 40.8-kilo box, on tree, downing 11.21 % in relation to April/24.
Although prices dropped from April to May, they are still at high levels. In addition to the forecast of a small crop, low stocks of orange juice have been boosting the industrial demand for fruits.
Tahiti lime
The supply is expected to continue limited in June, due to the below-average volume of rainfall. Colder temperatures have concerned producers, since this scenario may result in characteristics that purchasers disapprove, especially in the international market. In May, the price average was at BRL 32.62 per 27-kilo box, harvested, 18.96% up compared to April.
Ponkan tangerine
Prices may move up in June, especially from the second fortnight on, when the supply in São Paulo tends to decrease. Moreover, the fruit can be a good alternative for orange and other fruits, which are presenting higher quotations. On the other hand, the demand is likely to decrease due to the cold weather, limiting more significant price rises.
Döhler announces the expansion of its Paarl manufacturing facility, marking a significant advancement in its operations within the African market. By enhancing product availability and customising offerings, Döhler deepens its partnerships with local customers and positions itself at the forefront of the food, beverage and life science and nutrition industry in the region.
The expansion of Döhler South Africa’s plant in Paarl introduces new, state-of-the-art production lines for compounds and emulsions as well as powdered and liquid flavours. In addition, it substantially increases the company’s capability for processing bulk juice concentrate. From now on, customers will have direct access to the complete portfolio of compounds, which shows Döhler’s commitment to being at the forefront of the food, beverage and life science and nutrition industry in the region.
2024 promises to be a groundbreaking year for Döhler South Africa following notable achievements and the establishment of strategic partnerships in the last year. The Paarl plant expansion sets the stage for future advancements. The addition of cutting-edge production lines and state-of-the-art R&D labs will further strengthen Döhler’s ability to deliver high-quality products and product solutions directly to the African market.
The expansion of Döhler’s plant in Paarl was officially inaugurated in May with a ceremony attended by prominent industry figures, the Drakenstein Executive Mayor and the Consul General of the German Consulate, emphasizing Döhler’s commitment to deepen its engagement with the African food, beverage and life science and nutrition industry.
Global sugar production is forecast up 2.5 million tons to 186.0 million with lower production in Brazil expected to more than offset higher production in Thailand, India, China, and Mexico. Consumption is anticipated to rise to a new record with growth in markets such as India and Pakistan. Exports are forecast lower due to reduced shipments from Brazil, India, and Thailand. Stocks are forecast lower as reduced stocks in Thailand are projected to more than offset a rise in stocks in India …
Tropicana has launched a new range of its Multivit Boost juices to stores across the UK. The three fresh juices expands Tropicana’s functional juice offering as consumer health trends continue to evolve with a post pandemic demand for immunity support products and ingredients.
Tropicana Multivit Boost is now available in its best-selling Multifruit plus two new juices, all in 850 ml Pure-Pak® cartons. Launched in April 2024 and rolling out across UK’s key retailers are the new varieties; Smooth Orange and Mixed Berries juice for immune health support.
Each serving of Tropicana Multivit Boost offers 100 % of daily Vitamin C requirements, along with essential vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, with an added inclusion of vitamin A in the Mixed Berries and Multifruit flavour. According to Tropicana, these added vitamins play a crucial role in supporting normal energy-yielding metabolism, maintaining healthy skin and vision, and protecting cells from oxidative stress. A single portion of each variety provides one of the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
Food 4 Future – Expo Foodtech presents the 7 trends that will define the future of the food industry
The food industry met last April at Food 4 Future – Expo Foodtech and Pick&Pack for Food Industry, which were held simultaneously in Bilbao, Spain, from 16 to 18 April to discover and analyse the challenges facing the food and beverage sector, marked by an inflationary economic context, new consumer habits that lead to new consumer demands, and increasingly demanding regulations regarding sustainability. With the help of 482 experts from the food industry worldwide, Food 4 Future and Pick&Pack, together with AZTI’s technological innovation team, have identified the 7 trends that will mark the future of the food industry in the coming years:
1. Geostrategy and inflationary environment
Europe has traditionally had a history of low agri-food inflation, something that has changed in recent years with a double-digit annual increase in food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation. This problem, coupled with the fact that many regions specialise in a single product, creates a risk of market fluctuations. To face these challenges, Food 4 Future has highlighted the importance of moving towards the European model of more efficient and productive farms, with greater collaboration from the private sector, something that will strengthen the competitiveness of these companies. Alliances between manufacturers and fostering resilience, innovation and collaboration are key to ensuring success in a constantly evolving sector.
2. New consumer habits
Consumer demands and habits have changed and now demand personalised experiences. Many companies are already using data and the latest technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, to adapt products and services to these new individual preferences and the trend is expected to continue in the future. In addition, society has shifted and now consumers value health, taste, convenience and sustainability as key drivers and where direct sales have increased significantly. In this way, food and beverage firms are gaining market share, winning over the shopper in the current context of price adjustment, and forging robust competition for the rest of the players. New habits also include the demand for healthier and more sustainable foods, which has led to innovation in alternative foods, such as those based on vegetable proteins, mushrooms, algae, and meat substitutes.
3. 360° Sustainability
The food industry faces multiple challenges in terms of sustainability, driven by climate change, the efficient management of resources such as water and energy, and the need for decarbonisation to achieve zero net emissions. It is also focusing its efforts on the importance of minimising greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing packaging materials, improving eco-efficiency in production processes and encouraging recycling throughout the product life cycle. Suppliers are key in this respect, as are sustainable agricultural and livestock practices, together with more efficient food processing chains and minimising food waste.
4. New technologies
The digital transformation that the food sector is undergoing has brought with it robotisation and automation in production plants, but it is also being extended to other practices such as harvesting, spraying and pruning in agriculture. Other trends that will mark the future in the field of agri-food tech are precision fermentation, efficiency technologies, operational excellence, or industrial machine vision to detect quality defects, among others. The application of technologies is also key to guaranteeing food quality and safety, with real-time monitoring, preventive models, traceability from farm to fork, and smart packaging and labels to ensure the quality of pre-packaged food. In addition, quantum computing is gaining a great deal of attention in the field of innovation.
5. Healthy eating
Concern for healthy eating and lifestyle is growing, which is why personalised nutrition has become increasingly important in recent years. Companies are striving for healthier products without sacrificing pleasure and taste through new techniques. The debate on ultra-processed foods and the need for legislation will also remain on the table. This is an issue where there is no consensus and where there is a high degree of ignorance among citizens about labeling systems. Transparent communication on packaging will help consumers to make informed choices.
6. New packaging regulations
Packaging is also undergoing a paradigm shift driven by several interlinked factors: the advance of decarbonisation, the application of technologies for process optimisation and the adaptation to increasingly demanding sustainability regulations. The sector is currently immersed in major challenges driven by the new regulations against food waste and packaging, which will have an impact on eco-design, the trend towards mono-material, reuse, and the increase in recycled material, among other issues.
7. More sustainable and efficient logistics
Supply chain efficiency is crucial. Technology allows for greater production and volume, greater flexibility, and more traceability, all of which have an impact on increasing business for companies in the sector. For this reason, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, automation and blockchain solutions are already being applied to improve logistics efficiency in the food value chain. The use of robots and AI makes it possible to handle a wide variety of products, and even pack boxes with products of different types and sizes using artificial vision. The result is improved efficiency, saving time and increasing sustainability while reducing costs.
Tate & Lyle PLC announces that Dawn Allen, Chief Financial Officer, has decided to leave the Company to take up the position of Chief Financial Officer of Haleon plc. Mrs Allen will remain with Tate & Lyle until October 2024 to close out our half-year results ending 30 September 2024, and to support an orderly transition.
The Board has begun a process to appoint a successor to Mrs Allen and a further announcement will be made in due course.
Nick Hampton, Chief Executive said: “During her time at Tate & Lyle, Dawn has played a key role in maintaining strong financial discipline across the business, and leaves behind a proven team that will continue to support the delivery of our growth-focused strategy. We wish her every success in the next stage of her career.”
David Hearn, Chair, said: “Dawn has been a valued member of the management team and on behalf of the Board I would like to thank her for her contribution to Tate & Lyle, and wish her all the best in her next role.”
Bottled water has retained its title as America’s favourite packaged drink, outselling carbonated soft drinks (by volume) for the eighth year in a row, new data from the Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC) shows.
Bottled water’s total volume sold in 2023 was 15.94 billion gallons, compared to carbonated soft drinks, which sold 11.84 billion gallons. Bottled water retail sales surpassed USD 48 billion, up 6.5 % from 2022.
“Multiple characteristics account for bottled water’s resonance with U.S. consumers, including its associations with healthfulness, convenience, safety, and value. An array of packaging types, ranging from single-serve to bulk, facilitates a wide range of uses,” says John G. Rodwan, Jr., BMC’s editorial director.
“Consumers’ thirst for beverages that offer benefits beyond refreshment alone also contributed to the fundamental hydrating beverage’s rise in the beverage standings. Bottled water’s zero-calorie status and its lack of artificial ingredients appeal to many consumers. Even where tap water may be safe and readily available, people may prefer bottled water, which they often believe tastes better. The availability of packaged water wherever beverages are sold also differentiates bottled water from tap,” says Rodwan.
Bottled water products compete with other packaged drinks, but not tap water. Most bottled water drinkers consume both tap water and bottled water, packaged conveniently in 3 and 5-gallon for the home and office, or at retail 1 and 2.5 gallon or individual size commonly sold by the case. However, when people are away from home and bottled water isn’t available, 70 % say they will choose another packaged drink, according to a survey conducted in 2022 on behalf of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) by The Harris Poll. Survey respondent choices were as follows: soda (22 %), sparkling or sweetened or flavored bottled water (10 %), sports drink (8 %), tea (7 %), coffee (6 %), juice/fruit drinks (5 %), functional water (5 %), bottled tea (4 %), energy drink (3 %). Among the remaining 30 %, a third (10 %) would drink from a water dispenser, either using a refillable cup (5 %) or disposable cup (5 %). Ten percent would drink filtered tap water, 6 % would drink unfiltered tap water, while 4 % would drink from a public water fountain (down from 7 % in 2019).
For more than a decade, consumers have been increasingly choosing bottled water instead of less-healthy packaged drinks. In fact, since 2012, 34 % of bottled water’s growth has come from people switching from less-healthy drinks to bottled water.
Bottled water’s volume surpassed soft drinks for the first time in 2016 and has done so every year since. Americans consumed, on average, 46.4 gallons of bottled water in 2023, compared to 34.4 gallons of soda. The fact is that consumers demand bottled water. Research shows that nine out of 10 Americans (91 %) say they expect bottled water to be available wherever other drinks are sold.
“Consumer preference for healthy hydration and bottled water is really good news for public health,” says Jill Culora, IBWA’s vice president of communications. “This is particularly important as the nation continues to experience high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.”
“Bottled water also has the added benefit of packaging that is 100 % recyclable, unlike laminated paper cartons, which technically can be recycled but most often they are not accepted by the majority of municipal recycling systems in the United States. Not only are bottled water containers 100 % recyclable (including the cap) but they also use much less plastic than other packaged beverages.”
Even with continuing growth and increased consumption, bottled water still has the smallest impact on the environment—thanks to the fact that it has the smallest water and energy use footprint of any packaged beverage. On average, only 1.4 liters of water (including the 1 liter of water consumed) and 0.21 mega joules of energy are used to produce 1 liter of finished bottled water.
Most bottled water is packaged in 100 % recyclable PET #1 plastic and HDPE #2 plastic, which are the plastics most recognised by consumers as being recyclable and the most recycled plastics in the world. Consumers can be confident about recycling plastic bottled water containers because they are among the few consumer packaging types that are universally recyclable across the United States. Not all cities and towns recycle glass bottles and laminated paper cartons, which are most commonly comprised of multiple layers of paper, plastic, and aluminum or wax.
PET plastic bottled water containers are the most recycled containers in U.S. curbside recycling programs, accounting for 52 %. PET plastic bottled water containers are a valuable resource because they can be recycled and used over and over again.
Recycling facilities know that there is a huge industry demand for post-consumer PET and HDPE plastics. Many bottled water companies use recycled PET and HDPE plastic to create new bottles, which helps to reduce their environmental impact further because they aren’t using virgin plastic.
“Helping people make healthier choices is at the core of the bottled water business,” says Culora. “Consumers have made it clear that there’s a demand for safe, healthy, and convenient bottled water, as they are responsible for propelling bottled water to the title of America’s most popular packaged beverage, by volume.”
As per this latest study by Fact.MR, a provider of market research and competitive intelligence, the global nitro cocktails market is expected to garner USD 102.7 million by 2033, expanding at a high-value CAGR of 16.7 % from 2023 to 2033.
Nitrogen gas is added to beverages to give them a distinctive texture and flavour. Under high pressure, nitrogen gas is added to a beverage during this procedure, resulting in small bubbles that give the beverage a silky and creamy texture.
Market expansion is being driven by the fast-rising demand for beverages that are ready to drink. In addition, the demand for healthy and low-sugar beverages is growing as a result of consumers’ growing health awareness. Additionally, adoption of convenience-oriented lifestyles has been encouraged by rapid urbanisation, rising middle-class population, and growing number of youths in developing economies, which has increased the demand for ready-to-drink beverages with nitro infusions.
As the demand for unique and visually appealing cocktails continues to grow, the market for nitro cocktails is expected to continue expanding rapidly. However, it is worth noting that the use of nitrogen gas can be potentially dangerous if not handled properly; so it is important for bartenders and establishments to take proper safety precautions when preparing and serving nitro cocktails.
Key takeaways from market study:
The global nitro cocktails market is valued at USD 21.9 million in 2023.
Worldwide demand for nitro cocktails is projected to increase at a CAGR of 16.7 % from 2023 to 2033.
The global market is estimated to touch USD 102.7 million by the end of 2033.
The market in China is projected to surge ahead at a CAGR of 21.6 % during the forecasted time frame (2023 to 2033).
The market in the United Kingdom is forecasted to expand at 14.9 % CAGR through 2033.
“Consumer demand for new products is rising, along with continuously changing drinking habits and consumer behaviour, which is fueling the consumption of nitro cocktails,” says a Fact.MR analyst.
Market competition
The market for nitro cocktails is still relatively small but is growing rapidly. More and more bars and restaurants across the world are adding nitro cocktails to their menus, and some companies are even producing pre-made nitro cocktails that can be purchased in stores. In addition, there are now specialised nitro cocktail machines that bars and restaurants can use to create their own unique nitro cocktail creations.
Cruise Beverages announced the debut of a new range of Nitro-infused CBD Craft drinks in February 2021. These really useful drinks provide a substitute for alcoholic beverages. They are designed to improve focus and aid individuals in managing stress and anxiety without causing a spike in sugar levels or hangover-like symptoms.
A new era of conscious consumption is creating a shift toward more sustainable ingredients and eye-catching colour palettes influenced by the natural world, according to GNT.
GNT, which supplies plant-based EXBERRY® colours, has identified “Regeneration Rising” as a key trend in the food and drink sector. The company’s analysis explores the growing global appreciation for the natural world and desire to protect the planet. This mindset is now intensifying the focus on the origins of raw materials and sustainable production.
The Regeneration Rising trend is also inspiring new colour palettes as brands seek to convey instinctive messages about how their products are created. The use of visually impactful colours that can be found growing on land and in the sea helps manufacturers to showcase products’ eco-credentials and build emotional connections with consumers.
GNT has identified three new colour directions in line with the trend. “Elevated Earth” involves earthy shades from red-browns and warm oranges to textured purples and inky teals, elevating products with an organic but premium look and feel. “Nature Lab” is about pushing the boundaries of what is considered natural and features a kaleidoscopic spectrum of green, pink, red, yellow, orange, and blue. Finally, “Wholesome Nostalgia” features yellows, greens, blues, peaches, and pinks that range from velvet-like to milky, translucent, muted, and dreamlike.
Dieuwertje Raaijmakers, Marketing Communications Specialist at GNT Group, said: “Consumers of all ages are developing a much stronger interest in sustainability and rebuilding their relationships with the natural world. To appeal to these shoppers, food and beverage companies have to showcase their commitment to the planet. Colour can play an important role in telling that story, helping brands create appealing products that send out strong visual signals about how they’re produced.”
GNT has set out an ambition to lead the food colouring industry on sustainability. The company creates its EXBERRY® colours from fruits, vegetables, and plants and has set out a series of ambitious targets to optimise its environmental and social impacts at every stage of the value chain.
Tractor, in partnership with HowGood, launched the Organic Impact Tracker in 2023, becoming the first beverage brand to track and disclose impact data about its ingredients.
Tractor Beverage Company, the trailblazing pioneer of Certified Organic, Non-GMO beverages exclusively for the food service sector, and HowGood, a sustainability intelligence platform with the world’s largest ingredient sustainability database, are proud to have been recognised by Fast Company’s 2024 World Changing Ideas Awards for the Organic Impact Tracker.
In 2023, Tractor and HowGood partnered to release the Organic Impact Tracker, a sustainability impact tracker that uses five metrics to quantify the benefit of sourcing organic ingredients versus their conventional counterparts: synthetic pesticides avoided, organic land supported, carbon emissions avoided, water saved, and improved soil health. As the first and only organic company dedicated to food service, Tractor is also the only company in the world to track Synthetic Pesticides Avoided as part of its impact reporting.
“We’re honored by Fast Company’s recognition of our achievement,” stated Kevin Sherman, CEO of Tractor Beverage Company. “Over the past year, Tractor has steered clear of 34 tons of synthetic pesticides, a significant step towards leaving a better world for future generations. With HowGood’s assistance, we’re setting a new bar for accountability and transparency in the food and beverage industry and demonstrating our commitment to prioritising people and the planet over pesticides.”
HowGood supports food and beverage companies across the value chain to measure, manage, and communicate their sustainability impact. Tractor’s Organic Impact Tracker is powered by HowGood’s calculations, drawing from a database of over 90,000 agricultural emission factors.
Through their Fast Company award-winning Organic Impact Tracker (OIT), HowGood and Tractor have empowered Tractor’s Pouring Partners and consumers to have a global impact. In 2023 alone, Tractor:
Avoided 729.4 tons of carbon emissions
Supported 3882.9 acres of organic land
Saved 187,453.3 gallons of water
Contributed to 3882.9 acres of improved soil health
Avoided 34.04 tons of synthetic pesticides
“Now more than ever, it’s important that companies at every stage of the food value chain are collaborating to achieve impact reduction goals,” said Alexander Gillett, CEO of HowGood. “Partnering with Tractor to power their trailblazing sustainability transparency has made it possible for restaurants and consumers to make informed, responsible sourcing decisions. We applaud Tractor’s innovative approach to sustainability and are honored to have provided the model and calculations to make it possible.”
HowGood powers sustainability transparency across the food industry, working with food and beverage companies to calculate and share their impact data, drive impact reduction for carbon, water, biodiversity, and more, and make verified sustainability marketing claims. One of HowGood’s customers, Chipotle, has leveraged HowGood’s ingredient-level data in their “Real Foodprint” menu feature, demonstrating radical transparency in their public communications.
Since 2020, Tractor has also partnered with Chipotle to pour drinks that serve a purpose. Beyond pouring certified organic drinks, Chipotle donates 5 % of profits from Tractor Beverage sales to support farmers.
“We are proud to partner with Tractor Beverages, a company that offers delicious, all-natural drinks and shares our commitment to using real ingredients while supporting the farming community,” says Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer at Chipotle. “Organisations like HowGood and Tractor are helping to create lasting change throughout the food system, and we applaud their transparency as a means to drive progress.”
About Tractor Beverage Company Tractor Beverage Company is revolutionising the beverage station as the first and only USDA Organic Certified, Non-GMO full-line beverage solution for food service. Farmer-founded and employee-owned, the team is on a mission to create a cleaner, healthier planet, one drink at a time. 136 million+ Tractor drinks are served annually in more than 7,500 locations across 50 states in the US, with a portfolio of 25 uniquely flavoured Certified Organic and Non-GMO craft refreshers, lemonades, and premium craft sodas as well as organic frozen and organic mixology. Tractor’s thoughtfully crafted drinks feature clean ingredients that deliver on taste, functionality, and experience, without any of the bad stuff. Tractor is the first beverage brand to track and disclose impact data about its ingredients through the Organic Impact Tracker, quantifying the benefit of sourcing organic versus conventional ingredients. The company was included on the 2023 and 2022 Inc. 5000 lists of America’s fastest-growing private companies, and on Fast Company’s 2021 list of the world’s Most Innovative Companies.
About HowGood HowGood is an independent research company and SaaS Sustainability Intelligence platform with the world’s largest database on food product sustainability. With more than 90,000 agricultural emissions factors, HowGood helps leading brands, suppliers, retailers and restaurants to measure, reduce, and communicate their environmental and social impact. Through in-depth, ingredient-level insights into factors like greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, labor risk, animal welfare, and other key impacts, HowGood’s data power strategic decision-making for the sourcing, manufacturing, merchandising, and marketing of sustainable products.
The dry and warm weather in São Paulo concerned citrus growers in early May. They say that fruits were falling from the trees, a scenario that is reinforced in areas with high incidence of HLB (Huanglongbing, or greening).
Growers collected fruits that fell, allocating them to crushing activities, although this process is more expensive than the regular harvest. Still, as prices at factories are high, this fact ends up being advantageous for both citrus growers and the industry, which needs to absorb as more fruits as possible. It is worth noting that higher temperatures and below-average rains since the middle of the second semester last year may result in a lower volume to harvest in 2024/25.
The heat wave and the lack of rains also affect the quality of oranges, reducing its attractiveness in the market.
As for the tahiti lime, the dry weather started to affect the development and the quality of the peel. Some producers were concerned and started harvesting, aiming to collect fruits that are prematurely falling to send them immediately to the industry.
The 2024-2025 orange crop forecast for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt by Fundecitrus in cooperation with Markestrat and full professors at FEA-RP/USP1 and FCAV/Unesp2, is 232.38 million boxes of 40.8 kg (90 lbs) each. This production is divided as follows (figures in parentheses indicate the drop in production as compared to the previous crop):
37.12 million boxes of the Hamlin, Westin, and Rubi varieties (- 36.10 %);
15.72 million boxes of the Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple and Alvorada varieties (- 15.07 %);
70.97 million boxes of the Pera Rio variety (- 27.30 %);
81.58 million boxes of the Valencia and Valencia Folha Murcha varieties (- 22.45 %);
26.99 million boxes of the Natal variety (- 2.91 %).
Approximately 14.61 million boxes are expected to be produced in the Triângulo Mineiro (- 47.48 %).
Overall, the projected volume represents a significant drop of 24.36 % as compared to the previous crop that totaled 307.22 million boxes, a value close to the average for the last decade …
1Marcos Fava Neves, Part-time Full Professor at FEA-RP/USP. 2José Carlos Barbosa, (voluntary) Full Professor at FCAV/Unesp.
Paul Graham, President of Americas at Döhler, is announced as FEMA’s new President. He is committed to increasing collaboration among all stakeholders and aims to champion flavour safety as well as to improve associations’ outreach efforts. With his experience within Döhler, he seeks to advance the industry.
During the FEMA Annual Leadership Conference, which took place in Charleston (SC) from April 29 to May 1, Paul Graham was appointed FEMA President. Paul brings vast experience of more than 35 years in the industry and has been an honoured member of FEMA for more than 10 years. He officially assumed his role on May 1, 2024, following his recognition by the association members and former President Laurette Rondenet.
FEMA, the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States, founded in 1909, is the preeminent national association of the U.S. flavour industry, dedicated to ensuring the availability of safe flavouring substances.
As President, Paul excitedly highlights, “I am deeply committed to leading FEMA through a period of evolution by creating and implementing a comprehensive strategic five-year plan. This will enhance collaboration among FEMA Committee Chairs, members, and stakeholders, while working together with IOFI (International Organisation of the Flavour Industry).”
Another central topic to Paul Graham’s agenda is advancing FEMA’s commitment to ensuring the safe and responsible use of flavourings through FEMA GRAS while fostering industry innovation. He is dedicated to improving outreach and membership engagement as well as making FEMA more accessible, strengthening programs like the FIL (Flavour Ingredient Library) and FEMA FLI (Future Leaders Initiative).
Consumers today lead more demanding lifestyles that drain their energy levels, fueling the need to relax and rejuvenate. As a result, they are proactive in seeking products that can support mental wellbeing. Brands are, therefore, working to develop ingredients that can ease stress and improve mental health, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Meenakshi Haran, Lead Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The incidence of poor mental wellbeing is at its highest today with consumers generally feeling more stressed and anxious as they deal with challenging economic and social conditions. Indeed, mental wellbeing is a major concern (extremely/quite concerned) for American consumers as attested by 50 % of respondents in a recent GlobalData survey*”
Conscious of the negative health implications of an imbalanced lifestyle, many concerned consumers are paying greater attention to their emotional wellbeing and quality of life. Ingredient manufacturers have taken notice of this growing consumer pursuit of food and beverages that can help them relax and rejuvenate. In March 2024, Caldic North America announced its collaboration with Celesta Company to expand Caldic’s portfolio with Celesta’s proprietary ingredient blends and technologies, including SlumberMor and RnRMor, designed to improve sleep, mood, and relaxation. These innovative offerings are touted to help with functional innovations in the food and beverage industry.
Haran continues: “Millennials and Generation Y (58 % each) are the most concerned about their mental wellbeing, compared with other generations in the current situation*. This trend is driven by health-conscious consumers who are concerned about the impact of diet on mental health.”
Haran concludes: “This high concern motivates consumers to improve diets, carefully consider what ingredients are inside food & drinks, and seek lifestyle changes. Novonesis, a joint venture between Chr. Hansen and Novozymes unveiled a new ingredient, the MindAble 1714 probiotic designed to manage stress, targeted at the food industry. Food & beverage brands should consider launching products using innovative ingredients to align with consumers expectations.”
*GlobalData 2024 Q1 Consumer Hot Topics Survey – US, published in March 2024, 500 respondents
Glanbia plc, the Better Nutrition company, announced that it has entered into an agreement with the shareholders of Aroma Holding Company, LLC and related entities, the owners of Flavor Producers LLC to acquire the business for an initial consideration of USD 300 million plus deferred consideration (the “Transaction”).
Transaction overview and rationale
Flavor Producers is a leading flavour platform in the US, providing flavours and extracts to the food and beverage industries, with a focus on organic and natural ingredients. Glanbia will operate Flavor Producers within its Glanbia Nutritionals (“GN”), Nutritional Solutions business (“NS” or “Nutritional Solutions”).
The Transaction is consistent with Glanbia’s strategy of acquiring complementary businesses to grow its Better Nutrition platforms. Flavor Producers significantly expands NS’s flavours offering, bringing new capabilities in the attractive and growing natural and organic flavours market which are aligned with long term consumer trends.
Transaction highlights include:
Flavor Producers is a leading independent flavours business in the US which represents a synergistic fit with the existing flavours capability of NS;
Acquiring an established platform with a 40 year plus history, a strong team and a track record of innovation;
Excellence in R&D and proprietary ingredients with best-in-class formulation capabilities. Extensive flavour library and vertical integration into flavour extracts, facilitating clean label solutions;
Financially attractive margin and growth profile which will improve business mix within NS; and
Consistent with Glanbia’s balanced capital allocation framework and retaining a strong financial position post Transaction.
Transaction consideration, financing and closing
The initial consideration is USD 300 million with an additional deferred payment of up to USD 55 million, conditional on performance in 2024. Final consideration will also be impacted by the value of actual working capital and customary completion accounts at closing. The Transaction will be financed by Glanbia’s existing banking facilities and cash. Glanbia has a strong balance sheet with net debt of USD 248.7million at the end of FY 2023, a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.5 times and USD 1.3 billion of committed debt facilities.
It is anticipated that the Transaction will close in the first half of FY 2024 subject to customary closing conditions and agreed completion accounts.
The Transaction is expected to be marginally accretive to Glanbia’s adjusted earnings per share in its first full year of ownership.
The Company’s current EUR 100 million buyback programme announced on 28 February 2024 is ongoing and is unaffected by this Transaction.
About Flavor Producers Flavor Producers was founded in 1981 as a family business in Valencia, California. They pioneered the development of natural and organic flavours by sourcing raw materials from nature. Plant-based flavour and extract creation is the Company’s specialty, with unique technologies that deliver transparently delicious taste to food and beverages. Today, Flavor Producers is a leading developer and manufacturer of natural and organic flavours in North America. Flavor Producers serves leading FMCG companies as well as high growth and emerging consumer brands. In the 12 months to February 2024, Flavor Producers delivered USD 86.1 million net sales and adjusted EBITDA (before non-recurring costs) of USD 19.7 million. The gross assets of Flavor Producers as at February 2024 were USD 321 million.
VOG Products recently added a very special product to its assortment: “apple compote with pieces”, in which the creamy texture of the apple mousse meets apple chunks, resulting in an unforgettable flavour. High-quality steamed apple chunks are combined with apple mousse to create a “ready-to-use” product.
Organic quality or integrated quality, sweetened or unsweetened, produced with a single variety or mix: the new apple compote mixes with apple chunks from VOG Products are an excellent example of products which can be customised to your preference. The cans with apple compote mixes with tender apple chunks are products entirely designed to meet customer needs.
Versatility and the fact that it can be used in a wide range of applications. (Photo: VOG Products)
The main features of this new product are its versatility and the fact that it can be used in a wide range of applications. Apple mousse with apple chunks is therefore a “wild card” in the world of food products: it is not only used as a base mixture for other recipes, but also as a ingredient for further processing by customers in the food and beverage industry. The many possible uses range from “ready-to-use” apple compote for hotels or canteens to fillings for bakery and confectionary. The mix, which is exclusively composed of fruit, also opens up interesting opportunities for the dairy industry.
Solutions tailored to customers
“We have always aspired to develop customer-specific solutions,” comments Christoph Tappeiner, CEO of VOG Products. “The apple compote with pieces are the result of in-house development. We focused on product customisation to enable numerous applications for our customers.”
“For the production of the apple mousse with pieces, we only use top-quality ingredients from controlled or integrated organic farming. This is all backed by our unique supply chain,” explains Tappeiner.
A unique supply chain
The producer organisation has an extraordinary supply chain that guarantees continuous availability, traceability, and guaranteed supply throughout the year. The “FROM: Italian Alps” seal also certifies that the raw materials come from VOG Products member growers. These members comprise around 6,000 family farms that supply the fruit-growing cooperatives with products made with great expertise and experience.
VOG Products The VOG Products producer organisation, based in Laives, is owned by two South Tyrolean producer organisations and 17 fruit-growing cooperatives. The company processes 300,000 to 400,000 tonnes of fruit from integrated and organic cultivation into apple juice (concentrate and NFC juice), purees and finished products. VOG Products exports 90% of its products to almost 50 countries worldwide. www.vog-products.it/en/
Strong customer demand & market potential are key drivers behind new production line
CP Kelco, a global leader of nature-based ingredient solutions, has completed a USD 60 million expansion in production capacity for its citrus fiber product line, based on strong customer demand and market potential. With this significant expansion, the company has ample capacity to support current and future customers’ citrus fiber supply needs.
The production line expansion for NUTRAVA® and KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber in the company’s facility in Matão, Brazil, increases the total capacity to approximately 5000 MT, establishing CP Kelco as a leading citrus fiber supplier to food, beverage and consumer product manufacturers worldwide. This expansion provides options to incrementally expand capacity even further in the future based on customer needs.
Launched in 2019, CP Kelco’s citrus fiber products are highly versatile and unique ingredients upcycled from citrus peels, a byproduct of the juicing industry. With the continued growth in consumer demand for clean-label, sustainable products, citrus fiber addresses the need for nature-based and easily recognisable ingredients in a variety of food, beverage and personal care products.
NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber supports dietary fiber intake and offers unique water-binding, texturising and stabilisation capabilities in a wide range of food and beverage applications, from condiments, dressings and soups to bakery goods, dairy and plant-based products. In personal care products, KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber serves as a gentle emulsifier alternative, providing stabilisation and a light skin feel to help product developers create SENSational textures, from serums to gels and luxe creams.
The orange processing of the 2024/25 season may be intensified in May. Three of the major processors and other two small companies (tool) have been operating at the moment. At least three more units are expected to start activities still in early May.
In the same period of 2023, only three units were operating, and a fourth company started crushing in the second week of the month. This scenario indicates a higher intensity of processing activities this year. Although current volumes are not high yet, players from the industry say that some companies have started operating in order to avoid fruit losses in a year of low supply.
Prices at companies remain firm, reaching BRL 70.00 per box for fruits of the new season. In cases of higher volumes, values can be even higher.
Due to the increase of industrial activities, the downward trend of orange prices in the in natura market, verified in April, is likely to slow down, since producers will have the industry as an option to sell the product. In April, the average for the in natura pear orange, of BRL 91.28 per 40.8-kilo box, in tree, was 3 % lower than in March.
The demand for oranges, in turn, is expected to decrease in May, because of the supply of ponkan tangerine. Moreover, possible milder temperatures in the Brazilian autumn tend to reduce the consumption.
Tahiti lime
The rainfall favoured the development of the tahiti lime in São Paulo state, increasing the supply.
According to DataHorizzon Research, the Energy Drinks Market was worth USD 92.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to hit USD 220.9 billion by 2032, boasting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.2 %.
The surge in demand for energy drinks stems from their perceived ability to enhance both physical and cognitive performance. Market participants are promoting beverages devoid of sugar, glucose, and high fructose corn syrups as functional drinks that not only heighten alertness but also offer physical benefits.
Energy drinks have gained significant popularity as a supplement among teenagers and young adults in the United States, with a predominant consumption by men aged between 18 and 34. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the rising awareness of health and wellness, coupled with the increasing prevalence of sports activities among the younger demographic.
Recently, market players in the US have shifted their focus from targeting athletes to catering to the preferences of young consumers, reflecting the growing demand for mental alertness among this demographic.
Energy Drinks Market Report highlights:
The global energy drinks market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 9.2% by 2032.
PepsiCo, Inc. announced two new nutrition goals as part of their strategic transformation to reduce sodium and provide essential sources of nutrition in the foods consumers reach for.
North America, particularly the US, has the highest per capita consumption worldwide. New product launches like ZOA cater to the increasing trend towards healthy organic diets.
In response to consumer preferences for healthier options, health-conscious brands are introducing a variety of sugar-free and calorie-free energy drinks. These products not only cater to the needs of athletes but also offer benefits for individuals who are overweight or obese. Additionally, sugar-free variants are particularly advantageous for those who are lactose intolerant.
Energy beverages, encompassing a wide range of options such as soft drinks, carbonated beverages, fruit and vegetable juices, beverage concentrates, ready-to-drink tea, and ready-to-drink coffee, are among the most commonly consumed beverages in the market. This diversity reflects the evolving preferences of consumers seeking convenient and functional beverages to support their active lifestyles.
Industry trends and insights:
Energy drinks are high-caffeine beverages that claim to improve physical and mental performance. Their popularity has contributed to the growth of the energy drinks market.
Monster Beverage Corporation acquired Bang Energy beverages and a production facility in Phoenix, Arizona, for approximately USD 362 million.
Energy drinks market segmentation:
By Product: Drinks, Shots
By Packaging: Cans, Bottles
By Distribution Channel: On-trade, Off-trade
By Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.
Regional analysis
North America held the largest market share, with the US having the highest per capita consumption worldwide. The US has experienced a shifting trend toward a healthy organic diet due to increased awareness about overconsumption of caffeine beverages. Several new product launches, such as ZOA infused with vitamins and antioxidants, sustain the image of healthy energy drinks in the market.
Competitive analysis
The competitive landscape of the industry is characterized by a high degree of fragmentation, with global brands holding the largest market share, leveraging their extensive experience in regional markets. Leading players in this space include Red Bull, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd., PepsiCo. Inc., Monster Beverage, Lucozade, The Coca-Cola Company, Amway, AriZona Beverages USA, Living Essentials LLC, Xyience Energy, and others.
These companies have established partnerships with numerous retail and chain food service outlets, allowing them to maintain a strong presence across various sales channels. Their sustained market presence is reinforced by continuous product innovation and unique marketing strategies, which set them apart in this fiercely competitive industry.
Butterfly announced the separation of its portfolio company Bolthouse Farms into two standalone entities: Bolthouse Fresh Foods and Generous Brands. Bolthouse Fresh Foods will carry on the century-old legacy of Bolthouse Farms as a leading supplier of fresh carrots to retailers across North America, with nearly 700 million pounds of carrots sold annually. Generous Brands will encompass the market-leading premium fresh beverage and salad dressing businesses of Bolthouse Farms and Evolution Fresh.
Butterfly acquired Bolthouse Farms from Campbell Soup Company in a carveout transaction in 2019. Butterfly has implemented numerous strategic initiatives that have driven topline growth in excess of 30 % while re-establishing the company as a partner of choice to produce departments across North America. Bolthouse Farms also acquired Evolution Fresh from Starbucks in August 2022, uniting two powerhouse beverage brands with complementary product offerings, channel penetration and consumer bases.
This separation is being facilitated by way of separate debt recapitalisations of each business, enabling Bolthouse Fresh Foods and Generous Brands to continue onward as two separate companies with purpose-built strategies and leadership teams. Butterfly expects these transactions to enable accelerated growth via increased flexibility for investment in capabilities as well as acquisitions.
“We’re incredibly excited to announce the separation of Bolthouse Farms into two distinct industry-leading platforms, which will further propel the growth of these businesses and their ability to outperform for customers throughout the world,” said Adam Waglay, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Butterfly. “This separation was always part of our investment thesis, and we have recruited best-in-class leadership teams which are strategically aligned to each business so that Bolthouse Fresh Foods can focus on delivering high quality, fresh produce with excellent service and Generous Brands can become a strong, consumer-centric business with superior fresh beverage brands.”
Butterfly Operating Partner Jeff Dunn has been promoted from CEO to Executive Chairman of both companies, while two veteran food industry executives were brought in to serve as the respective go-forward CEOs of the companies. Timothy Escamilla, former President of Dole Fresh Vegetables, has been appointed CEO of Bolthouse Fresh Foods, while Steve Cornell, former President of Fresh, Beverages and Desserts at The Kraft Heinz Company, has been appointed CEO of Generous Brands.
“Bolthouse Fresh Foods remains dedicated to nourishing people’s lives by providing high-quality, nutrient-dense products that continue to thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace,” said Timothy Escamilla, CEO of Bolthouse Fresh Foods. Timothy joined Bolthouse Fresh Foods as CEO in May 2023 with 30 years of experience in the produce industry across leading companies such as Dole, Tanimura & Antle, Ready Pac Foods and more.
“Generous Brands is an exciting consumer-centric platform, with iconic and fresh beverage brands,” said Steve Cornell, CEO of Generous Brands. “This transaction will enable Generous Brands to meet the needs of more consumers through more innovation, new investments in our business, and acquiring complementary brands to take our platform to its full potential.” Steve joined Generous Brands as CEO in January 2024, bringing with him over 15 years of experience at Kraft Heinz, having led globally recognised brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia and Capri-Sun, among others.
“This separation is proof that the future of value creation within private equity is grounded in deep operational expertise and transformation through specialisation, and we could not be more appreciative of the amount of work, creativity and collaboration that went into this from all teams,” said Jeff Dunn, Executive Chairman of Bolthouse Fresh Foods and Generous Brands and Operating Partner of Butterfly. “It’s been amazing to watch the two entities develop their own unique cultures during the transition, and we are proud of the robust teams we have built across the companies. By separating, each business is now unleashed to drive its own unique growth strategy to ultimately deliver more fresh, healthy food for more people.”
The European Fruit Juice Association (AIJN) welcomes the approval by the European Parliament of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Aimed at addressing pressing sustainability concerns surrounding packaging materials, and especially waste, within the European Union, the outcome of the vote reflects a careful equilibrium between environmental imperatives and industry considerations.
The Agreement found between the EU Council and EU Parliament negotiators, adopted now by the EU Parliament represents a significant departure from the initial proposal put forth by the EU Commission. Regarding reuse for example, where the initial draft outlined specific non-alcoholic beverages subject to reuse targets, the text approved by the EU Parliament adopts a more encompassing and equitable approach. Under the revised PPWR, a single reuse target now applies to all beverages, whether they are alcoholic or non-alcoholic. This shift eliminates the need for a predefined list of products, thus ensuring that no item is excluded from the sustainability mandate (except for a few exemptions which are explicitly justified within the text).
Another important aspect of the outcome of the negotiation is the redistribution of responsibility for meeting these reuse targets. Unlike the original Commission’s proposal, which placed the burden both on manufacturers and final distributors, the version of the Regulation approved by the EU Parliament assigns responsibility to final distributors.
Specifically, the Regulation mandates that distributors making alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available on the market within a Member State must ensure that at least 10 % of these products are offered in reusable packaging within a system designed for re-use. This change will enable greater flexibility for all actors in delivering products in reusable packaging.
Moreover, the new target set for reuse represents a first step towards promoting circular economy principles within the packaging industry, all while acknowledging the industry’s needs. With a target of 10 % by 2030 and an indicative target for 2040, actors across the value chain, including consumers all around Europe, can adapt to increasing levels of reusable packaging and reuse systems. This ensures that the transition is mindful of the practical realities and requirements of businesses within the sector. This balanced approach promotes a steady transition towards a more circular economy, where resources are conserved, waste is minimized, and environmental impact is reduced. By January 1, 2034, the Commission will review the implementation of the 2030 targets, considering technological advancements and practical experiences. This assessment will evaluate the effectiveness of the targets in fostering sustainable packaging, feasibility of achieving 2040 targets, relevance of exemptions, conduct life-cycle assessments of single-use and reusable packaging and assess the need for setting new targets for the reuse and refill of other packaging categories. This review mechanism allows for adjustments based on results and real practices, ensuring that future ambitions for 2040 are informed by concrete evidence and practical experience.
Finally, the approval of PPWR underscores the critical role of packaging in preserving product freshness and quality while minimizing environmental impact. It highlights the imperative for sustainable packaging solutions that reconcile ecological stewardship with operational efficiency. In recognition of the unique challenges faced by highly perishable beverages, they are exempted from meeting this targets in the Regulation includes exemptions for such items.
AIJN believe the European Parliament’s vote on the PPWR reflects a balanced and pragmatic approach that seeks to reconcile environmental goals with the operational realities of the industry. As the Regulation progresses towards implementation, AIJN is willing and ready to engage in ongoing dialogue and collaboration to ensure effective compliance and meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.
Link between happiness and hydration among Americans found in a survey* on water consumption habits
While it’s no secret that hydration is essential for health, a new survey commissioned by True Lemon and conducted by OnePoll uncovered its impact on overall happiness for Americans. Among the 2,000 respondents, 46 % who drank the most water (10+ glasses a day) said they were very happy compared to only 22 % of those who drank the least water (1 – 3 glasses a day).
Those that drank the most water also reported finding happiness and appreciating the little things in their days. They also try to improve their mood and fuel their day by staying hydrated (36 %), eating enough to avoid getting “hangry” (31 %) and taking walks (30 %). In addition, 61 % percent of those who drank more than 10 glasses of water a day said they used water additives or drink mixes and powders like True Lemon, while 59 % of those who drank the least water said they did not.
“There are so many health benefits to drinking water, but 43 % of respondents reported that water ‘tastes boring’ posing it as one of the biggest challenges to increasing their intake. The number one problem we solve for our customers is that we help them drink more water. In fact, in a recent study with over 4,000 of our customers, 94 % said we helped them drink more water every day,” said Heidi Carney, Executive Vice President, Marketing at True Citrus. “Adding a packet of True Lemon to your water allows you to reap all the hydration benefits of drinking water by making it delicious.”
*This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by True Lemon between Feb. 16 and Feb. 22, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
Glanbia plc, the Better Nutrition company, announced that it has entered into an agreement with the shareholders of Aroma Holding Company, LLC and related entities, the owners of Flavor Producers LLC to acquire the business for an initial consideration of USD 300 million plus deferred consideration (the “Transaction”).
Transaction overview and rationale
Flavor Producers is a leading flavour platform in the US, providing flavours and extracts to the food and beverage industries, with a focus on organic and natural ingredients. Glanbia will operate Flavor Producers within its Glanbia Nutritionals (“GN”), Nutritional Solutions business (“NS” or “Nutritional Solutions”).
The Transaction is consistent with Glanbia’s strategy of acquiring complementary businesses to grow its Better Nutrition platforms. Flavor Producers significantly expands NS’s flavours offering, bringing new capabilities in the attractive and growing natural and organic flavours market which are aligned with long term consumer trends.
Transaction highlights include:
Flavor Producers is a leading independent flavours business in the US which represents a synergistic fit with the existing flavours capability of NS;
Acquiring an established platform with a 40 year plus history, a strong team and a track record of innovation;
Excellence in R&D and proprietary ingredients with best-in-class formulation capabilities. Extensive flavour library and vertical integration into flavour extracts, facilitating clean label solutions;
Financially attractive margin and growth profile which will improve business mix within NS; and
Consistent with Glanbia’s balanced capital allocation framework and retaining a strong financial position post Transaction.
Transaction consideration, financing and closing
The initial consideration is USD 300 million with an additional deferred payment of up to USD 55 million, conditional on performance in 2024. Final consideration will also be impacted by the value of actual working capital and customary completion accounts at closing. The Transaction will be financed by Glanbia’s existing banking facilities and cash. Glanbia has a strong balance sheet with net debt of USD 248.7million at the end of FY 2023, a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.5 times and USD 1.3 billion of committed debt facilities.
It is anticipated that the Transaction will close in the first half of FY 2024 subject to customary closing conditions and agreed completion accounts.
The Transaction is expected to be marginally accretive to Glanbia’s adjusted earnings per share in its first full year of ownership.
The Company’s current EUR 100 million buyback programme announced on 28 February 2024 is ongoing and is unaffected by this Transaction.
About Flavor Producers Flavor Producers was founded in 1981 as a family business in Valencia, California. They pioneered the development of natural and organic flavours by sourcing raw materials from nature. Plant-based flavour and extract creation is the Company’s specialty, with unique technologies that deliver transparently delicious taste to food and beverages. Today, Flavor Producers is a leading developer and manufacturer of natural and organic flavours in North America. Flavor Producers serves leading FMCG companies as well as high growth and emerging consumer brands. In the 12 months to February 2024, Flavor Producers delivered USD 86.1 million net sales and adjusted EBITDA (before non-recurring costs) of USD 19.7 million. The gross assets of Flavor Producers as at February 2024 were USD 321 million.
The European Fruit Juice Association (AIJN) announced that the EU Parliament has approved the Revision of the Fruit Juice Directive, marking an important step in the development of the fruit juice and nectar industry.
The Association welcomes the Revision of the EU marketing standards for the so-called ‘breakfast’ directives, aimed at bolstering existing marketing standards related to honey, fruit juices, jams, and milk. Specifically, the revision of the Fruit Juice Directive, in force as such since 2012, represents a step forward, bringing the directive in line with contemporary concerns and industry demands. Throughout this process, AIJN has actively collaborated with EU institutions to ensure comprehensive consideration and representation of industry perspectives.
Serving as the cornerstone of meticulous legislation, the European Fruit Juice Directive ensures the highest standards of safety and quality for fruit juices, while also offering comprehensive information to consumers across Europe regarding the composition, nature, and authorised processing methods of fruit juices.
The latest revision address several aspects and bring great innovation to the sector:
Introduction of the reduced-sugars fruit juice category: We welcome the introduction of the new category of “reduced-sugars fruit juices”, in line with the objectives of the Farm to Fork strategy, offering more choice of products for consumers. More specifically, three products are added, “reduced-sugar fruit juices”, “reduced sugar fruit juices from concentrate” and “concentrated reduced sugar fruit juices”. Future products can only be called “reduced sugar fruit juice” if at least 30 % of the natural sugars have been removed and they maintain the essential characteristics of the fruit juice from which they come.
Information on sugar content: In Europe, consumers may not always be aware that fruit juices do not contain added sugars. Both institutions agreed that additional transparency is needed. To this effect, they have allowed industry to use the voluntary statement that “fruit juices contain only naturally occurring sugars”.
Inclusion of coconut juice: Reflecting the evolving market trends and consumer preferences, coconut has been included in the Directive’s Annex V, accompanied by a specified Brix level of 4.5. Additionally, coconut water is acknowledged as synonymous with coconut juice.
Authorisation of additional substances for clarification: The directive now accommodates the use of plant proteins derived from wheat, peas, potatoes, and sunflower seeds for fruit juice clarification, ensuring alignment with contemporary practices.
While AIJN wait for the formal adoption at the Council and the Directive’s entry into force, it is foreseen that the European Commission will be tasked with elaborating a Delegated Act on Reduced-Sugar Fruit Juices, examining the feasibility of origin labelling of the fruits used in fruit juices, and developing implementing acts for fruit juice analysis methods.
In response to these endeavours, AIJN reaffirms its dedication to responsible collaboration, advocating for policies that prioritise consumer health and sustainability in the industry.
Eschlikon’s product portfolio 90 % completed
Most of us will have recently held an increasing number of beverage closures in our hands that can no longer be removed from the bottle. The reason for this is an EU directive from 2019, which stipulates such tethered closures for beverage bottles from July 3, 2024.
The company corvaglia, headquartered in Thurgau, Switzerland, has played a pioneering role in the development and production of tethered caps. The development of the first tethered cap models began even before the official publication of the EU directive. Since then, corvaglia has continuously worked on innovative solutions and has been able to convince well-known brand owners of the effectiveness of its products. As one of the first suppliers of tethered caps on the continent, corvaglia has secured a firm place for itself in this product segment.
The company’s own cap production in Eschlikon was also gradually converted to tethered products as part of this process. Since 1 March 2024, more than 80 % of the closures produced in Eschlikon now meet the requirements of EU Directive 2019/904. Around 10 % of the closures produced in Eschlikon are exported to non-EU countries and will remain non-tethered for the time being. The remaining 10 % will be converted by July.
The development of lightweight closures to reduce unnecessary plastic has always been part of corvaglia’s DNA. This approach has also been consistently pursued with tethered caps. With the latest tethered caps, corvaglia is proud to make a further contribution to reducing material and energy consumption and thus lowering CO2 emissions for beverage packaging.
Total orange production for the 2023-2024 crop season ended at 307.22 million boxes1
The 2023-2024 orange crop for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt, published by Fundecitrus – performed in cooperation with Markestrat and full professors from FEA- RP/USP and FCAV/Unesp2 – concluded with 307.22 million boxes of 40.8 kg each (90 lbs), divided as follows:
58.09 million boxes of the Hamlin, Westin and Rubi early-season varieties;
18.51 million boxes of the Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple and Alvorada early-season varieties;
97.62 million boxes of the Pera Rio mid-season variety;
105.20 million boxes of the Valencia and Valencia Folha Murcha late-season varieties;
27.80 million boxes of the Natal late-season variety.
Of the total, about 27.82 million boxes were produced in the Triângulo Mineiro region.
The season´s production was 2.22% lower in comparison to the previous crop, which reached 314.21 million boxes and was 0.69% below the initial forecast made in May 2023 …
1Hamlin, Westin, Rubi, Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple, Alvorada, Pera Rio, Valencia, Valencia Folha Murcha, and, Natal. 2Department of math and science, FCAV/Unesp Jaboticabal Campus.
On 18 April 2024, WCO members gathered for its fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM). During the AGM, WCO presented the consolidated data of the production and export forecasts for the forthcoming Southern Hemisphere citrus season 2024. The preliminary forecast was collected thanks to WCO members in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and Uruguay. In addition, the Association also marked its first change in leadership with the election of a new Steering Committee that will guide its work in the upcoming two years.
During WCO’s AGM, the preliminary forecast for the upcoming Southern Hemisphere citrus season was presented to representatives from the citrus sector in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and Uruguay, citrus production is expected to decrease by 0.77 % compared to the previous year, with an estimated production of 24,338,123 tonnes. Exports, however, are expected to continue increasing, with a projected growth of 7.45 % compared to 2023 to reach 4,156,879 tonnes.
Orange production is forecasted to decrease by 5.66% compared to 2023, with 15,478,167 T in total. Soft citrus production is expected to increase significantly (+ 11.58 %, 3,325,829 T in total). A 5.69 % increase is projected for lemon production (3,244,857 tonnes in total), while grapefruit production should decline by 3.89 % (to 532.539 tonnes in total). Limes are forecasted to reach 1,756,731 T, which is 10.57 % above the 2023 figure.
The Southern Hemisphere season has been negatively impacted by difficult climatic conditions, as drought-like conditions in the Southern Hemisphere negatively affected production. However, expectations have improved recently, leading to only a slight decrease in production.
WCO marks its first leadership transition, demonstrating its transition towards full maturity, as demonstrated by the switch in leadership from the two previous Co-Chairs, Justin Chadwick (for the South Hemisphere) and José Antonio García (for the North Hemisphere) to a new team formed by Sergio del Castillo (for the South Hemisphere) and Badr Bennis (for the North Hemisphere), who will guide the work of the Association over the upcoming two years.
The two outgoing Co-Chairs highlighted WCO’s notable achievements since its founding, quadrupling its membership, making WCO a notable forum for citrus sector actors to exchange perspectives and data on matters of common concern. WCO has launched over the last five years new instruments like common data reporting formats and interactive databases for members with the latest production and trade forecast data, dedicated working groups to explore ways to boost the marketing and the promotion of all citrus categories, hosting of physical and online events allowing the sector to discuss and interact, helping to further the knowledge of actors, and liaising with the media to help promote the visibility of the sector.
Berjé Inc. announced the acquisition of Global Citrus International (GCI) and Acelim del Peru – two Peruvian growers and producers of essential oils and fruit products with extensive operations in Peru and strong collaboration with Citrolim SA de CV, based in Mexico. With this acquisition, GCI and Acelim will become part of the Berjé Inc. family of companies, and will be renamed and operated as Citrolim Peru and Acelim.
GCI and Acelim are respected and preeminent growers, processors, and suppliers of lime-based products, including fresh limes, lime essential oils, lime juice, and lime peel. The renaming as Citrolim Peru will facilitate the integration and alignment of these operations into the world-renowned Berjé family of companies, further expanding the position as international producers within the flavour and fragrance industry.
Oterra announced a new Chief Financial Officer, Hubert Windegger, who joined Oterra effective April 22nd, 2024.
Hubert Windegger joins the company with over 14 years of finance leadership experience, including roles at Private Equity-owned carve-outs and as CFO of ASK Chemicals. His strategic insights and proven track record in driving growth make him an invaluable addition to Oterra as they continue to innovate and expand their reach in the natural colour ingredients markets.
This change comes from Oterra’s current CFO, Mads Dehlsen Winther, who, after careful consideration, has decided to explore other career opportunities.
All oranges 18.8 million boxes
The 2023-2024 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is lowered 1.00 million boxes to 18.8 million boxes. If realised, this will be 19 percent more than last season’s revised production. The forecast consists of 6.80 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 12.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. An 8-year regression was used for comparison purposes. All references to “average”, “minimum”, and “maximum” refer to the previous 10 seasons, excluding the 2017-2018 season, which was affected by Hurricane Irma, and the 2022-2023 season, which was affected by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Average fruit per tree includes both regular bloom and the first late bloom …
Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov
The volume of orange juice exported by Brazil in the partial of the 2023/24 season (from July/23 to March/24) was below that registered in the same period of the previous crop. According to players from the industry, the low availability of the commodity in the Brazilian market may be limiting shipments. As for prices of the juice sold to the international market, they moved up.
The 2023/24 season in Brazil is expected to finish (in June/24) with reduced orange juice stocks at the industry. As a result, some players are unwilling to export large amounts in order to avoid having zero stocks by the end of 2023/24.
According to data from Comex Stat, Brazil exported 812.2 thousand tons of orange juice in the partial of 2023/24, for a decrease of 7.7 % compared to the same period last season. The revenue totaled USD 2.08 billion, moving up 23 % this season in relation to the previous and close to the total registered in the crop before (USD 2.14 billion up to June/23).
OJ shipments to the European Union amounted 419.9 thousand tons from July/23 to March/24, downing 7.7 % against the same period of 2022/23. The income, in turn, rose 26 %, at USD 1.1 billion. To the US, exports dropped 4.4 % in relation to that in 2022/23, at 265.7 thousand tons. The income verified between July/23 and March/24 was USD 667.1 million, 18 % up against the same period last season.
Market in Brazil
The market of the tahiti lime in São Paulo closed March with firm prices. Players surveyed by Cepea say that this is related to the low supply, since rains affected the harvest. As a result, the monthly price average was BRL 31.17 per 27-kilo box, harvested, 55 % up in relation to February.
As for the orange, prices also closed March at higher levels. The supply was low (due to the offseason period and to the good demand from the industry) and the demand in the in natura market was firm, because of high temperatures. Therefore, the price average was BRL 93.56 per 40.8-kilo box, on tree, upping 7 % in relation to February.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, functional drinks have been gaining momentum, with nootropics, immunomodulators, and botanics becoming household terms. Adaptogens, which claim to address rising concerns of stress, anxiety, and balance restoration, have been gaining ground rapidly. In addition, these ingredients help address the challenge of providing consumers with value for money by maintaining quality at steady prices. Against this backdrop, adaptogens are set to become mainstream ingredients, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Bokkala Parthasaradhi Reddy, Lead Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Over the last few years, a health-oriented approach to life has gained a new meaning. Globally, an increasing number of consumers are seeking products that will help them address specific aspects of their overall wellness, such as stress management, sufficient rest, anxiety-easing, and embracing sobriety or mindful drinking. As a result, they are reaching out for goods with added functionalities, active ingredients, or clearly stated health benefits. With their neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, and anti-depressive properties, adaptogens provide multiple benefits, such as boosting immunity, easing anxiety, and relieving stress, which are some of the major consumer focus areas following the pandemic.”
Deepak Nautiyal, Consumer and Retail Commercial Director, APAC and Middle East at GlobalData, notes; “Adaptogens are the new functional ingredients that have found a foothold in non-alcoholic drinks. They can be plant-based or synthetic and can be easily added to a multitude of drinks, such as carbonates, juice, and tea/coffee without altering the flavor or taste profile of these drinks. One of the primary advantages of adaptogens is the ease of use, as they can be consumed as dietary supplement capsules, in teas, or added to non-alcoholic drinks such as carbonates and juice. However, adaptogens cannot be termed as exclusive ingredients as many of them provide the benefits of nootropics and immunomodulators and the other way around.”
Reddy adds: “Some of the common plant-based adaptogens include Panax ginseng, Rhodiola crenulata, and Schisandra chinensis, which have been used to control or manage multiple conditions, including blood sugar control, brain health, fatigue, anxiety, depression, stress, liver diseases, and menopause symptoms. Ginseng is the most popular among these adaptogens and is widely used for its immunity-boosting attribute. Meanwhile, synthetic adaptogens, known as “actoprotectors” have similar functions and enhance body stability without increasing oxygen consumption or heat production, boosting mental and physical resistance, and increasing blood flow. However, these attributes, which enhance the appeal of synthetic adaptogens, also make them unsuitable for consumption by athletes.”
Nautiyal continues: “In addition to their health benefits, adaptogens also help in engaging consumer interest. With the majority of consumers reeling from the impact of high inflation, value for money has emerged as a key theme in consumer purchases. With rising input costs, manufacturers are being forced to provide more value to the consumer’s dollar. This is reinforced by a GlobalData consumer survey*, wherein 27 % of consumers perceive low price/cheap good value for money, and an equal number of respondents perceive high-quality products/ingredients as value for money.”
Reddy observes: “The addition of adaptogens will help to attract consumers who prefer high-quality ingredients. Moreover, these consumers will be inclined to pay more for proven health benefits, as evident in 84 % and 80 % of respondents in the same survey who opined “good for physical fitness/health” and “good for mental health” as an essential or nice to have features in their purchase decisions.”
Nautiyal concludes: “The benefits of adaptogens, which include managing stress and anxiety, are among the most sought-after features among consumers. In non-alcoholic drinks, adaptogens are being used in beverages positioned as alcohol substitutes, and natural energy drinks or night-time drinks that are claimed to improve the quality of sleep and rest, and their adoption is expanding. However, adaptogens are new to the market, and the potential impact of long-term use has not been proven. For instance, dosage control and the potential reactions to medications are still being studied. Hence, despite the significant benefits, adaptogens cannot be a universal panacea for addressing stress and anxiety. Manufacturers will have to address these concerns to push more brands to adaptogens.”
*GlobalData 2023 Q4 Consumer Survey – Asia & Australasia, with 6,163 respondents
Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a high-protein concept for gamers who want to level up their nutrition. Titled ‘PROGAMER’, the ready-to-drink solution is designed to meet the needs of e-sports enthusiasts seeking benefits for their health as well as their gaming performance.
The concept features energy-boosting ingredients alongside the game-changing whey protein isolate Lacprodan® SP-9213, which is clear, provides a refreshing taste and is high in essential and branched-chain amino acids.
Cido Silveira, Arla Foods Ingredients Marketing & Business Development Manager – South America, said: “There’s a stereotype of gamers bingeing on unhealthy snacks and guzzling down energy drinks, but a new, nutrition-focused generation is emerging. They want to maintain their energy and concentration levels over marathon sessions, but they also want the many benefits that high-protein products offer. PROGAMER allows manufacturers to formulate unique, refreshing, clear, high-protein solutions for gamers who want more from their energy drinks.”
Protein plays a crucial role in general health, supporting muscle growth, repair and overall body function. Research has also found that consuming essential amino acids leads to improvements in attention and cognitive flexibility.1 A study on esports athletes, meanwhile, showed that sufficient protein intake is associated with improved cognitive performance in gaming.2
A 310 ml can of the ‘PROGAMER’ beverage concept features 15 g of protein, including 3767 mg of branched-chain amino acids. It also contains taurine, magnesium, zinc, caffeine and vitamins A, B3, B6 and B12 to support essential gamer needs such as concentration and vision. In addition, the concept is free from sugar, fat and lactose and contains only 60 kilocalories per can.
Arla Foods Ingredients will showcase the ‘PROGAMER’ concept at NIS (the Nutri Ingredients Summit) in São Paulo, Brazil, on 23rd and 24th April. Exhibiting at Stand 3-35, it will highlight growing opportunities for e-sports nutrition products in the Latin American market – with over half of Brazilian gamers spending more than 20 hours per week playing.3
Visitors to the stand will also be able to discover two clear shake concepts made with 100 % whey protein isolate ingredients. Go Natural is a fruit-infused flavored water made with Lacprodan® ISO.WaterShake. Go Fresh, meanwhile, is a thirst-quenching shake created with Lacprodan® ClearShake that has a refreshing lemonade taste.
1Suzuki, H. et al. ‘Intake of Seven Essential Amino Acids Improves Cognitive Function and Psychological and Social Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial’ Frontiers in Nutrition (2020) 2Goulart, J.B. et al. ‘Nutrition, lifestyle, and cognitive performance in esport athletes’ Frontiers in Nutrition (2023) 3Konvoy ‘LatAm Gaming Market’ July 21, 2023
dsm-firmenich, a leading innovator in nutrition, health, and beauty, has opened the application process for its flavourist school’s class of 2025. This world-class training school is set to lead the next era of flavour innovation and culinary excellence. From April 12 to May 1, aspiring tastemakers from around the world can apply for the two-year trainee program.
This proprietary school reflects dsm-firmenich’s commitment to advancing the art and science of flavour creation while meeting the global demand for foods and beverages that are healthier, more delicious, and better for people and planet.
The school’s two-year curriculum focuses on scientific expertise and creative know-how, equipping students with the skills needed to shape the future of flavours. With more than 80 industry experts guiding the program, the school provides a dynamic learning environment that fosters cutting-edge expertise and innovation. In 2023, the school received over 1,600 applicants for the class of 2024. The 11 candidates will be offered a job within dsm-firmenich upon successful completion of the course.
The flavourist school is an example of dsm-firmenich’s long-standing commitment to continuous improvement and staying ahead of industry trends. The school is an integral part of dsm-firmenich’s flavourist academy, which for many decades has supported the career development of its community of flavourists – anticipating the expectations of its customers and building on more than 125 years of the company’s history. The flavourist school is led by Veronique le Gouellec, Global Director Creation, with Patrick Salord, Vice President Global Creation, as dean.
Veronique le Gouellec, Global Director Creation at dsm-firmenich, says: “The flavourist school is a testament to our commitment to talent development. These passionate people trained by dsm-firmenich will play a crucial role in developing the next generation of great tasting foods and beverages, from delicious low-sugar drinks to sustainable dairy options, savory snacks, and nutritious plant-based alternatives.”
Patrick Salord, Vice President Global Creation at dsm-firmenich and Dean of the flavourist school, comments: “It’s our ambition to shape the future of flavours and the best way to do that is to nurture talent. By investing in the training and development of the next generation of flavourists, we are contributing to our broader goal of creating healthier, more sustainable, and delicious foods and beverages for consumers around the world.”
The new edition of the proprietary Symrise trend tool trendscope™ 2024+ has delivered valuable key findings. It provides an overview of current consumer trends and future developments in food and beverages. According to it, health and naturalness continue as the most relevant trend drivers. At the same time, climate-smart innovation and circular consumption is getting more important while digitalisation exerts a fast-growing effect on consumer lives and the industry. By combining qualitative and quantitative research methods the study serves as an important basis for the development of consumer-preferred taste, nutrition, and health solutions.
Consumers today expect a lot from the food and beverage products they choose. They are looking for sustainable, healthy, and tasty options. This leads to the question: How do these expectations translate into food and beverage trends and how can Symrise best respond? trendscope™ provides comprehensive information on trends and investigates how they drive innovation. The results of the tool go into different trendscope™ reports. Symrise uses these insights to translate consumer wishes into innovative food and beverage concepts with inspiring taste, nutrition, and health solutions.
“Consumer behaviors and mindsets change over time and so do their demands for food and beverages,” says Leif Jago, Global Marketing Manager Food & Beverage at Symrise. “trendscope™ allows us to closely monitor and anticipate market shifts. This creates an important basis to design solutions that deliver against these evolving needs.”
Combining qualitative and quantitative research
To decode latest food and beverage consumer trends, trendscope™ combines different methods of analysis. The qualitative research contains for example a meta-analysis of consumer reports, start-up and social media screening, an innovation scan, and insights from the Symrise taste treks with the chef network StarChefs. The quantitative research comprises a meta-analysis of existing studies and surveys and polls related to consumer behavior and mindsets. In addition, social media listening, and AI-based trend forecasting support the findings. This goes hand in hand with an analysis of global urban hot spots. In twelve global locations, Symrise conducted 24 interviews with selected trendsetters like food bloggers, journalists, and trend scouts.
“The tool’s global scope allows us to tailor trends to regional specifics. Based on this, Symrise can develop taste, nutrition and health solutions and tailor them to consumer demands in specific regions and categories. This, in turn, helps our customers to respond to decoded consumer desires with the right food and beverages,” concludes Jago.
The new offer of trendscope™ 2024+
To increase the relevance of trendscope™ further for the Symrise teams and customers, several key changes got incorporated. The current edition puts a spotlight on health as consumer health awareness is growing and has evolved into a key innovation driver. In addition, digitalisation and sustainability are now forming standalone megatrends. Both exert a huge influence on consumer lives and industries. From a research perspective, trendscope™ 2024+ uses more quantitative data sources. This includes social media listening and surveys.
The trendscope™ 2024+ edition got compiled during a global polycrisis. Consumers face a crisis continuum ranging from COVID-19 and its effects to the Ukraine war, rising cost-of-living, surging inflation, and looming recession. As a result, consumers look for stability and emotional anchors. At the same time, they change their buying behavior due to cost-consciousness. Overall, the polycrisis serves as an accelerator of change that boosts or slows down specific consumer needs.
Six global megatrends with several sub-trends identified
Symrise has identified six megatrends. “Digitalisation” forms an underlying macrotrend that permeates all areas of life. It has become a game changer for innovation. The other five items represent trend clusters with several sub-trends.
“Purposeful Sustainability” focuses on the urgency to act in a resource-saving manner. It also includes the consumer wish of making product choices with a positive impact on the climate. Regenerative eating and circular thinking play a key role here. The “Natural Goodness” cluster centers around the wish for natural and clean label plant-based products. This comes with a more critical eye toward ingredients and production methods. Another cluster relates to “Healthy Lifestyle”. Consumers have started considering mental and physical wellness combined. Products supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing experience a boost. At the same time, consumer look for guided health choices to navigate the complex landscape of inflationary health claims. “Emotional Discoveries” presents the wish of consumers for social connection and memorable experiences after the pandemic. At the same time, they demand higher standards of originality, quality and authenticity when discovering new tastes. The “Premium Indulgence” cluster gets strongly characterised by value orientation. Consumers look for indulgent moments in times of rising costs of living. They try to find bliss in little things to treat themselves.
The Symrise experts use these trendscope™ insights to investigate what they mean for the company’s portfolio. “We operate very agile and keep an eye on the competencies we need to address in view of important consumer needs. We want to support our customers in achieving their goals while contributing to Symrise’s sustainable growth,” adds Regine Lueghausen, Vice President Global Marketing Food & Beverage at Symrise.
Based on provisional results, AGRANA generated operating profit (EBIT) of € 151.0 million in its 2023/24 financial year (1 March 2023 to 29 February 2024), which is in line with its guidance of a very significant improvement compared to the prior year (2022/23: € 88.3 million). Earnings per share rose to € 1.04 (prior year: € 0.25).
Consolidated revenue amounted to € 3,786.9 million (prior year: € 3,637.4 million).
As previously communicated in the Q3 results published in January 2024, AGRANA sees itself confronted with an increasingly challenging business environment since the fourth quarter of 2023/24 and forecasts EBIT for the 2024/25 financial year which will be significantly below the comparable figure in 2023/24. This decline in results will already become apparent in the first quarter of 2024/25.
The Management Board of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG has today also decided – subject to a corresponding resolution passed by the Supervisory Board – to propose a dividend payout in the amount of € 0.90 per share for the 2023/24 financial year (dividend for 2022/23: € 0.90 per share) to the 37th Annual General Meeting to be held on 5 July 2024. This corresponds to a dividend yield of 6.7 % based on the closing price on the balance sheet date (29 February 2024).
The publication of the Annual Report 2023/24 and all the details relating to the annual results for 2023/24 and to the outlook for 2024/25 will take place as scheduled on 14 May 2024.
GNT has achieved a 22 % reduction in carbon intensity at its EXBERRY® factories since 2020, the company’s latest sustainability report shows.
GNT, which creates EXBERRY® colours from non-GMO fruit, vegetables, and plants, has set out 17 ambitious targets to optimise its environmental and social impacts over the course of the current decade.
In 2023, GNT’s total carbon footprint at its production sites in the Netherlands, Germany, and USA stood at nearly 13 thousand metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions. This means 22 % less CO2 was emitted per ton of product sold compared to the base year of 2020, taking GNT almost halfway toward its ambition to achieve a 50 % reduction by 2030.
The new sustainability report reveals there was important progress in a number of other areas. GNT aims to enhance water efficiency at its factories by 20 % and has already delivered a 13 % improvement compared to 2020 levels. In addition, 74 % of the farmers in the company’s supply chain achieved a minimum of Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) Silver standard. The compliance rate for GNT’s Policy on Sustainable Sourcing, meanwhile, increased from 70 % to 90 %.
GNT also secured an EcoVadis silver medal last year and remains the only food colour supplier to have published a third-party Greenhouse Gas Verification Statement.
Global packaging company Elopak has reduced its direct emissions by a third from 2020 as part of its ongoing efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Elopak’s direct Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are down 33 % compared to a 2020 baseline, according to the company’s combined annual and sustainability report. This includes major sources of greenhouse gas emissions such as electricity usage, natural gas, and waste incineration. The decrease puts Elopak well on the way to achieving a 42 % reduction in direct emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050, under goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
People, Planet, Profit
The environmental milestone was publicised in Elopak’s first ever combined annual and sustainability report. This document details progress towards the company’s sustainability commitments across the key areas of people, planet, and profit.
This year the report also highlighted that emissions from Elopak’s filling machines were reduced by 29 % in 2023 and that the average carbon footprint for an Elopak carton has fallen to 23.3gCO2e – down from 23.9gCO2e in 2022.
Thomas Körmendi (Photo: Elopak)
“These developments reflect our continued commitment to environmental, social, and ethical excellence in our journey towards becoming a net zero company by 2050,” said Elopak CEO Thomas Körmendi.
2023 marked 15 years of structured sustainability reporting at Elopak. In the same year the company was awarded an A+ score for ESG reporting by sustainability consultancy Position Green, placing it in the top 5 % of companies best prepared for the introduction of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
The combined report also recounted strong financial results for Elopak during the year, despite significant economic and geopolitical headwinds. Organic revenues for the company increased by 9.4 % to EUR 1.13 billion and the adjusted EBITDA margin was 15.1 %.
Additionally, in 2023, Elopak welcomed 166 new employees – the most for the company ever in a single year – and is set to bring on even more staff when production begins at its plant in Little Rock, Arkansas, which is slated for the first half of 2025.
“2023 was all about advancing our sustainable growth. I am thankful to all our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners for their fantastic collaboration and the results achieved throughout the year,” said Körmendi.
According to a recent study conducted by Fact.MR, the global citrus fiber market reached a valuation of USD 317 million in 2022 and is projected to achieve USD 550 million by the conclusion of 2032. The market is anticipated to witness an expansion of demand opportunities at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6 % through the forecast period. A primary driver stimulating growth within the global citrus fibers market is the escalating demand for natural, plant-based ingredients in both food and personal care products.
The surge in demand for gluten-free and vegan products within the food and beverage sector is a significant contributor to the heightened sales of citrus fibers. As consumers increasingly become aware of the adverse health effects associated with the consumption of processed foods, there is a notable shift towards plant-derived ingredients, thereby fostering growth prospects within the citrus fibers market.
Citrus fibers are emerging as effective alternatives to sodium triphosphate, thereby augmenting their incorporation in processed meat products. This trend is further bolstering the market for citrus fibers, as manufacturers seek cleaner and more natural ingredients to meet consumer preferences and industry standards.
Furthermore, citrus fibers exhibit a high fat-binding capacity and are adept at stabilising emulsions, making them increasingly sought-after in the bakery and confectionery sectors. This growing utilisation of citrus fibers in such applications is expected to contribute favorably to the market’s growth trajectory in the foreseeable future.
Expanding beyond the realm of food and beverage, citrus fibers are gaining prominence in skincare and personal care products as well. With their rich vitamin C content, citrus fibers offer benefits such as improving skin tone, reducing dark spots, and addressing hyperpigmentation. These attributes have led to heightened interest in orange and lemon citrus fibers for incorporation into skincare products, consequently driving up their sales.
Leading players in the citrus fiber market include:
CEAMSA
Fiberstar, Inc.
CP Kelco, Inc.
Herbafoods Ingredients GmbH
Florida Food Products, Inc.
Golden Health
According to Fact.MR’s analysis, the demand for citrus fibers is poised to witness a notable uptick in the United States, fueled by the increasing adoption within the food and beverage as well as personal care industries. Moreover, the rising preference for vegan and plant-based products across the nation is expected to sustain and further boost the sales of citrus fibers in the years leading up to 2031.
Key takeaways from citrus fiber market analysis:
Based on applications, personal care segment is projected to grow at a 5 % CAGR, remaining a dominant area of application.
By function, citrus fibers as water binders & fat replacers will account for over 50 % of the total market share through 2031.
The U.S. is estimated to account for 9/10th of the total citrus fibers market sales, placing the country as a lucrative market.
Increasing popularity of gluten-free and plant-based ingredients in Brazil will augment market growth, holding over 40 % of the total market share by 2031.
“Surging cases of food-borne diseases due to artificial flavours and colours used in processed food will encourage adoption of natural citrus fibers. Considering this, sales of citrus fiber-based pharmaceuticals will increase, further augmenting growth in the market through 2031,” says the Fact.MRanalyst.
Growth drivers:
Growing awareness regarding negative health effects of synthetic flavouring in food products will favour adoption of citrus fibers.
Increasing significance of clean labels in food and personal care products will drive sales of citrus fibers.
Market segmentations:
by nature: organic, conventional
by grade: food-grade, pharma-grade, others
by source: oranges, tangerines/mandarians, grapefruit, lemons and limes
by function: gelling gums, thickening gums, water binders & fat replacers
by application: desserts and ice-creams, snacks and meals, bakery products, sauces and seasonings, meat & egg replacements, personal care, pharmaceuticals, beverages, flavourings, and coatings, others
by distribution channel: online channel, convenience stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets, department stores, specialty stores, pharmacies
by region: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Competitive landscape
Major citrus fiber suppliers are actively broadening their consumer reach to establish a dominant market presence in the foreseeable future. Employing arange of strategic approaches, these suppliers are pursuing growth opportunities within the market. These strategies encompass various tactics such as mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, expanding company footprints, forging partnerships, launching innovative products, and more.
Recent developments
Azelis, in July 2021, established a collaboration with CP Kelco to broaden its capabilities for distribution around the Netherlands for citrus fibers and some other natural food ingredients.
Fiberstar Inc., in 2019, launched a new website for citrus fiber Citi-Fi to showcase its products along with providing education to consumers around the world. The company is also taking initiatives to improve its digital experience.
Orange Fiber is a popular startup that has announced the launching of a novel fabric range made from pulp and citrus fiber with collaborations with Marinella brands and H&M.
CP Kelco is a leader that provides solutions in natural ingredients and has unveiled the launch of a novel innovation center for pilot plant scale-up and research applications.
These insights are based on a report on Citrus Fiber Market by Fact.MR.
In 2023, German manufacturers of food processing and packaging machinery achieved a nominal export growth of 8.6 percent, reaching a record value of 9.85 billion euros. However, German manufacturers were not the only ones to benefit from the strong global demand. According to the data available to date, the global trade in food processing and packaging machinery is expected to rise to over 52 billion euros in 2023.
Beatrix Fraese (VDMA/Uwe Noelke)
With an export turnover of 86 percent, the German food machinery and packaging machinery industry has an above-average level of activity in foreign markets. “On the one hand, we benefit from the continuing high level of investment in automated, efficient and sustainable production and packaging technologies in industrialised countries and, on the other, from the growth momentum in populous countries,” says Beatrix Fraese, economic expert at the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association. Last year, 53 per cent – and therefore more than half of exports – were delivered to countries outside Europe, with the focus on Asia and North America.
Food and beverage sector strongest industry in many countries
In many emerging economies, including the populous countries of India, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil and Nigeria, for example, the food and beverage industries are the strongest industrial sectors (source: United Nations Industries Development Organisation UNIDO).
By investing in hygienic processing and packaging technology, these often resource-rich countries are increasing local value creation and self-sufficiency in safe, long-live food and beverages. They are increasingly moving away from exporting pure raw materials and instead exporting their own products in the region and, in some cases, worldwide. “The potential is far from exhausted and will continue to ensure a strong demand for machinery,” believes Beatrix Fraese.
The food and beverage industry is also the largest industrial sector in many industrialised countries, especially in the USA. In the United States, the sector employs almost 2 million people and generated a production value of over 1.1 trillion Euros in 2023 (source: Euromonitor International). Against the backdrop of a lack of skilled labour, the sector continues to invest in automated, efficient and stable processes. This ensures that imports of machinery are constantly reaching new records. German manufacturers have been the USA’s most important trading partner in the food processing and packaging machinery segment for many years.
USA remains number 1 market – India and Mexico among the TOP 10
The strongest impetus in 2023 also came from the USA. German deliveries of food processing and packaging machinery to the United States rose by 19 percent to €1.7 billion, which corresponds to an all-time high.
The USA has led the ranks of the top 10 sales markets for many years. France, China, the United Kingdom, Poland, Switzerland, Mexico, the Netherlands, India and Italy followed far behind in 2023.
From a regional perspective, German manufacturers sold 33 percent of exported machines in EU countries. A further 14 percent went to other European countries, 19 percent to North America, 17 percent to Asia, 8 percent to Central/South America, 4 percent to Africa, 3 percent to the Near/Middle East and 2 percent to Australia/Oceania.
Global machinery trade reaches record level in 2023
The global trade in machinery – the sum of exports from around 50 industrialised countries – reflects the global demand for imported food processing and packaging machinery and has been growing dynamically for years. Over the last 10 years, global trade in machinery has increased by 43 percent from €33.9 billion in 2012 to €48.6 billion in 2022, with EU countries accounting for a good 60 per cent of this. This makes the European food machinery and packaging machinery industry the most successful mechanical engineering segment in Europe, with Germany and Italy leading the way.
According to the data available to date, the global trade in food processing and packaging machinery will increase to over EUR 52 billion in 2023 despite difficult conditions, which corresponds to an increase of around 7 percent.
“We also see growth for our industry in 2024, as the global demand for safe and high-performance machines remains immense,” explains Beatrix Fraese, pointing to the strongest investment drivers, namely hygiene and food safety, automation and efficiency improvements, resource conservation and sustainability in production and the packaging process.
New formulation of award-winning ingredient expands applications into sports and cognition products including RTDs and shots
Nektium has developed a new water-soluble formulation of its award-winning nootropic Zynamite® for cognitive and sports nutrition drinks.
Used to support mental and physical energy, Zynamite® is a Mangifera indica extract created from sustainably harvested mango leaves. The natural caffeine alternative has been the subject of 10 clinical studies and multiple industry awards since its launch in 2018, earning global recognition for its fast-acting, experiential benefits.
Nektium’s scientists have now created Zynamite® S to meet growing demand for innovative energy, sports and hydration drinks. It is designed for use in applications such as RTDs and shots where solubility, heat stability and transparency in solution are key.
Zynamite® S also has a neutral taste and is formulated to enable improved absorption of its bioactive component, mangiferin, which allows for reduced dosages.
Nektium Commercial & Partnership Director Bruno Berheide said: “Excessive caffeine intake is becoming a hot topic and there is high demand for alternatives that deliver instant power and energy that consumers can really feel. Zynamite® stands out as a non-stim energy alternative, naturally enhancing mental and physical energy in a smarter way – and without the side effects of caffeine. Our new Zynamite® S allows manufacturers the opportunity to formulate innovative beverages that can help consumers ‘get in the zone’ and perform at their best without suffering jitters and anxiety.”
Hybrid drinks
Zynamite® S can be used alone or in combination with caffeine to provide mental energy and focus as well as supporting physical energy, improved performance and recovery.
It is therefore ideally positioned to tap into the trend for hybrid beverages that blur the lines between energy and sports drinks. Innova Market Insights research shows that of the 56 % of consumers worldwide who regularly use hydration products in conjunction with their exercise routines, more than a third use energy drinks.1
Bruno Berheide added: “In today’s dynamic functional beverage market, many brands are innovating with hybrid products that offer both mental and physical energy. Zynamite® S is the perfect option for these products as it delivers clinically backed benefits for mental energy and sports performance within just one hour.”
Clinical benefits
Zynamite® is supported by a portfolio of safety data and its efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical studies in recognised journals.
Research has shown that, within one hour, a single dose of Zynamite® enhances mental energy and improves performance under fatigued conditions. In addition, it does not increase heart rate or blood pressure, avoiding the side effects associated with caffeine.2
In 2020, Nutrients published a clinical study examining its impact on cognitive performance in adults. It provided evidence that a single dose of Zynamite® significantly improved cognitive function and performance across a battery of cognitive tasks, including improved focus, improved memory and reduced mental fatigue.3
An independent study in Nutrients in 2024, meanwhile, examined the effects of a single dose of Zynamite® combined with quercetin on top basketball players in Greece during a basketball exercise stimulation test. Participants in the supplement group were faster, showing a statistically significant improvement in mean circuit lap time compared to those in the placebo group.4
1https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/sports-and-energy-drink-trends/ 2López-Ríos, L. et al. ‘Central nervous system activities of extract Mangifera indica L.’ Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2020) 3Wightman, E.L. et al. ‘Acute Effects of a Polyphenol-Rich Leaf Extract of Mangifera indica L. (Zynamite) on Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study’ Nutrients (2020) 4Bourdas, D.I. et al. ‘Effects of a Singular Dose of Mangiferin–Quercetin Supplementation on Basketball Performance: A Double-Blind Crossover Study of High-Level Male Players’ Nutrients (2024)
Refresco, a global independent beverage solutions provider for global, national, and emerging (GNE) brands and retailers in Europe, North America, and Australia, announced it has completed the acquisition of VBC Bottling Company.
VBC, a family-owned contract manufacturer of premium beverages, is strategically located in Modesto, California. The acquisition of VBC Bottling Company complements Refresco’s footprint and capabilities in North America, and further strengthens its ability to provide beverage solutions to branded customers.
CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs, commented: “Acquiring VBC is another step in executing our proven Buy & Build strategy. The company’s strong customer base, strategically located facility, and warehousing capacity further strengthens our footprint in North America. Additional canning capacity along the West Coast improves our ability to service all our contract manufacturing customers.”
Brad Goist, Chief Operating Officer at Refresco North America, said: “This acquisition is a step forward towards Refresco’s vision of ‘Our drinks on every table.’ We will integrate VBC Bottling Company into our operations to better serve our customers and support their growth goals in the various categories where capacity is needed. I look forward to welcoming the more than 180 employees to the Refresco team and seeing what successes we accomplish together as a team and in the years to come.”
About Refresco Refresco is a global independent beverage solutions provider for global, national, and emerging brands and retailers with production in Europe, North America, and Australia. Refresco offers an extensive range of product and packaging combinations from juices to carbonated soft drinks and mineral waters in carton, PET, Aseptic PET, cans and glass. Refresco continuously searches for new and alternative ways to improve the quality of its products and packaging combinations in line with consumer and customer demand, environmental responsibilities and market demand. Refresco is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and has more than 14,500 employees.
In recent years, the carbonates industry has undergone a transformation in its product portfolio driven by evolving consumer preferences, changing regulatory measures such as sugar taxes, and increased concerns about health. This transformation trend has been quite visible since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers became more conscious about the impact of sugary drinks on their health. In response to these shifts, companies are investing more in developing new products, with a focus on developing low- or no-calorie carbonates by using sweeteners as alternatives to traditional sugar, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Guida Simoes, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “One of the prominent categories in the carbonates space is diet sodas, which are popular drinks around the world, especially among people who want to reduce their sugar or calorie intake. Almost every popular sugary drink on the market has a “light” or “diet” version – Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, Sprite Zero, etc. Despite their appeal to calorie-conscious people, the effects of diet drinks and artificial sweeteners on health are controversial.”
In response to the evolving trend, major players are constantly innovating and creating different flavors for zero-calorie drinks to attract more consumers. For example, in April 2023, Coca-Cola announced a zero-sugar variant that offers “bold and delicate” flavour profiles during the launch of the Coca-Cola Movement in Spain. Stated to be a collaboration between “Coca-Cola – a beverage company and Rosalia – a Spanish singer”, this launch aims to attract more consumers with healthier products, with sugar-free and calorie-free products in mind.
In 2023, in Western European countries, the market share of low/no-calorie drinks is approximately 34 %, with the UK leading at 54 %, followed by Spain at 45 %, Italy at 18 %, France at 25 %, and Germany at 26 %*. This diversification highlights the varied consumer preferences and market dynamics within the region.
Simoes continues: “Moreover, the interesting correlation between the percentages in the market share of low/no-calorie drinks and the levels of health concerns, as shown by the GlobalData 2023 Q4 consumer survey, adds depth to our understanding. Countries with higher market shares, notably the UK and Spain, demonstrate a higher percentage of consumers 38 % and 42 %, respectively, expressing extreme or significant concern about their health. This showcases a relationship between consumer behavior and evolving product preferences, suggesting that health-conscious individuals are more inclined towards adopting low/no-calorie beverages.”
Simoes concludes: “Tailoring approaches to cater to health-conscious demographics, particularly in markets like the UK and Spain, presents a promising opportunity for growth. For businesses, they can adjust their marketing strategies and innovate products that appeal to consumers who are mindful of their health.”
*GlobalData Consumer Intelligence Center – Market Analyzers, accessed in December 2023 **GlobalData Q4 2023 Consumer Survey, published in December 2023, was conducted with 9068 respondents in Europe
The Public Benefit Company co-founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama is on a mission to raise a healthier generation of kids
PLEZi Nutrition, the Public Benefit Company co-founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama on a mission to create higher standards for how the U.S. makes and markets food and beverages for kids, announced the launch of PLEZi FiZZ. A carbonated fruit drink that will be available this spring in three new flavours, PLEZi FiZZ builds upon the company’s inaugural product, PLEZi, and aims to reach an older demographic of tweens and teens.
PLEZi Nutrition was created to give parents a helping hand by offering healthier, great-tasting products that parents can feel good about giving their kids and – most importantly – that kids actually want. Kids are consuming far too much added sugar—on average, 53 pounds of added sugar per year. Sugar-sweetened beverages, also referred to as sugary drinks, are the leading source of added sugars for kids, which is why PLEZi Nutrition chose to start with a focus on beverages. The company offers products that ace the taste test but with lower sugar content and sweetness to help adjust kids’ palates to crave less sweetness overall. In addition to reducing sugar and sweetness, they are adding in nutrients kids need, all with the aim to replace sugary drinks and snacks.
PLEZi FiZZ has 70 % less sugar (8 g per 8.4 oz) than average leading soft drinks (28 g per 8.4 oz), no added sugar, plus 2 g fiber and nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. PLEZi FiZZ will launch in three flavours: Cherry Limeade, Lemon Lime Squeeze, and Strawberry Lemonade, and will be available for purchase across Amazon and select convenience stores and club stores starting this Spring.
“I’ve dedicated so much of my life to helping kids and families lead healthier lives. As First Lady, I worked to rally every sector of society toward this goal,” said former First Lady Michelle Obama, Co-Founder and Strategic Partner of PLEZi Nutrition. “While I’m proud of all we accomplished during those years at the White House, I’ve also learned that to truly push the food and beverage industry to do better by our kids, you have to work from the inside. I’m thrilled to build on those efforts through PLEZi Nutrition as we work to drive change throughout the entire food and beverage industry.”
Guided by a Kitchen Cabinet advisory group of experts in nutrition, public health, and parenting, PLEZi Nutrition is committed to serving as an educational platform, including through the company’s Nothing to Sugarcoat site. The goal is to engage with parents, caregivers, and families about their questions when it comes to kids’ health and to be transparent about what’s best for kids, like drinking water and eating whole fruits and vegetables, because PLEZi Nutrition’s products are not intended to replace water and whole foods.
“Nearly two thirds of U.S. youth consume sugary drinks like soda on a given day,” said Dr. Shale Wong, MD, MSPH, Pediatrician and Professor of Pediatrics and Family Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Member of the PLEZi Nutrition Kitchen Cabinet, and Mom of two teenagers. “We know that water or milk is always the best option for kids, and we’ll continue to recommend that first, but kids who are used to drinking soda daily often have a hard time making the switch. We in the public health community have been pleading for decades to drink water and frankly that alone isn’t working. It is clear to me that families need better options if we are going to shift the health of the country, especially for our kids.”
Furthermore, PLEZi Nutrition is dedicated to giving back. Building upon a $1 million commitment to FoodCorps’ Nourishing Futures initiative, PLEZi Nutrition will be investing 10 % of profits right back into the broader movement to promote kids’ health.
GNT has achieved a 22 % reduction in carbon intensity at its EXBERRY® factories since 2020, the company’s latest sustainability report shows.
GNT, which creates EXBERRY® colours from non-GMO fruit, vegetables, and plants, has set out 17 ambitious targets to optimise its environmental and social impacts over the course of the current decade.
In 2023, GNT’s total carbon footprint at its production sites in the Netherlands, Germany, and USA stood at nearly 13 thousand metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions. This means 22 % less CO2 was emitted per ton of product sold compared to the base year of 2020, taking GNT almost halfway toward its ambition to achieve a 50 % reduction by 2030.
The new sustainability report reveals there was important progress in a number of other areas. GNT aims to enhance water efficiency at its factories by 20 % and has already delivered a 13 % improvement compared to 2020 levels. In addition, 74 % of the farmers in the company’s supply chain achieved a minimum of Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) Silver standard. The compliance rate for GNT’s Policy on Sustainable Sourcing, meanwhile, increased from 70 % to 90 %.
GNT also secured an EcoVadis silver medal last year and remains the only food colour supplier to have published a third-party Greenhouse Gas Verification Statement.
Harvesting activities for ponkan tangerine have started in March in São Paulo state, but the volumes available are still limited. According to players surveyed by Cepea, the supply is expected to increase significantly from April onwards, when more fruits hit the ideal ripening stage.
First tangerines harvested come from irrigated orange groves, where the development is more advanced, such as in the north of São Paulo state and Minas Gerais.
The season is expected to continue up to mid-August, and the volume harvested may be similar to that registered in the last crop, according to agents surveyed by Cepea. As for the quality, it has been considered satisfactory, in spite of some cases of Alternaria citri, which have been controlled successfully.
The current low supply of ponkan tangerine has been keeping quotations attractive to producers. From March 25-28, the price average was at BRL 95.53 per 27-kilo box, on tree, 36.4 % up compared to the same period in 2023, in nominal terms.
The holidays of Good Friday and Easter, the end-of-the-month period and lower temperatures in late March have limited the demand for oranges. However, prices continue to move up due to the restricted supply. As for the tahiti lime, despite the low consumption, rains and the slow pace of the harvest limited the supply, boosting quotations.
Döhler, a global provider of natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions, and Vertosa, the market-leading infusion technology company for cannabis and hemp products, announce a strategic research and development partnership for the food, beverage and nutrition industries. This partnership is set to spark a new wave of innovative life science products in the beverage sector.
While Vertosa will continue to handle its category leading Cannabis and Hemp infusions, Döhler will develop natural ingredients and ingredient blends to complement Vertosa’s offering. Those blends can contain everything from natural flavours, natural colours, juices, botanical extracts to sweetening solutions. Under the terms of the partnership, Vertosa will benefit from Döhler’s research, development and application expertise and its vast experience in the beverage space. This partnership will give Vertosa access to Döhler’s prime product portfolio and technologies to co-develop innovative beverage formulations and proprietary infusion technologies for successful lifestyle beverages.
Benjamin Larson, CEO of Vertosa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Through Döhler’s partnership, we’re not only gaining a treasury of knowledge but also the capabilities to co-create intellectual property that brings success for customers with a new range of life science beverages. This union is about more than innovation; it’s about setting the gold standard for what cannabis beverages can and should be.”
The collaboration includes an investment from Döhler Ventures, the company’s entrepreneurial investor, focused on startups within the global Nutrition & Technology ecosystem. Dr. Sebastian Dreher from Döhler Ventures adds, “We’re thrilled to support this collaboration. The investment reflects the long-term commitment to both the relationship and product categories, being driven by Vertosa’s professional management, thought leadership and market momentum.”
Both companies envision this partnership as a pioneering step toward a robust future for a new generation of life science beverages and beyond, combining Döhler’s global reach and natural ingredient and application expertise with Vertosa’s leading infusion technologies.
Paul Graham, CEO Döhler North America, emphasises, “Teaming up with Vertosa is a game-changer, propelling the market trend to new heights. By combining our expertise in natural ingredients with Vertosa’s infusion technology, we’re not just innovating, we’re leading the way together. It’s real, it’s authentic and it’s a step into a future where we explore the possibilities for enhanced and better drinks. We can’t wait for what is coming and we know it will be successful both ways.”
This collaboration is expected to elevate product development to new standards, offering consumers enhanced sensory experiences and supporting the rapid expansion of the cannabis and hemp ingredients in the beverage industry.
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