Evolution Fresh, a leading producer of organic, cold-pressed, premium juice products, announced that four of ist Real Fruit Soda flavours – Tropical Mango, Strawberry Vanilla, Lemon Lime, and Orange Squeeze – will now be sold in the U.S. at select Whole Foods Market locations. Each Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda is made with organic, freshly squeezed fruit juice, never from concentrate.
Earlier this year, Evolution Fresh disrupted the soda alternative sector by adding Real Fruit Soda to its portfolio of high-quality, cold-pressed beverages. Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda provides the same level of sweetness and bold taste that traditional soda has to offer, while touting a simple label.
Each product contains no added sugar and prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and antioxidant Vitamin C to help support digestive and immune health. With only 5 grams of sugar and 35 – 45 calories per can, Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda is also non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, and Kosher.
According to data from NielsenIQ*, functional beverage sales increased to USD 9.2 billion between March 2020 and March 2024, and the category is projected to reach USD 277 billion by 2033. As the demand for better-for-you beverages steadily rises, Evolution Fresh plans to continue driving consistent growth in the premium refrigerated beverage space with innovation like its Real Fruit Soda.
The 12 oz. cans of Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda can be found chilling in the beverage cooler at select Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S.
*NielsenIQ Trend Report
Symrise announces the opening of a new office and lab facility for Food & Beverage in Beijing. To optimally serve the dynamic and rapidly growing consumer base in the area the company has invested EUR 1.5 million in the facility. The location will enhance the R&D capabilities, customer proximity, and market presence in the North of China.
The country’s diverse and evolving tastes, driven by a rising middle class and increasing urbanisation, lead to stronger demand for beverages, dairy, culinary, and snacks. By expanding its presence in China, particularly with the new facility in Beijing, Symrise can perfectly cater to local preferences and swiftly respond to market trends.
The 800 sqm facility in Beijing covers 250 sqm of office space and 400 sqm of advanced laboratory areas as well as 150 sqm administration rooms. The labs include specialised zones for beverage and dairy creation, application, savory creation as well as snacks and seasonings, each equipped with dedicated workstations and evaluation rooms. This state-of-the-art setup enables Symrise to develop products tailored to the market. It can also provide comprehensive and swift support to customers in the region, ensuring timely and efficient service.
A key market for food & beverage applications
“China represents a crucial market for Symrise due to its dynamic and rapidly growing consumer base in food & beverage applications. As a logical consequence we have expanded our Beijing site to significantly enhance our R&D capabilities,” said Walter Ribeiro, Global President, Food & Beverage at Symrise. “With a focus on customer proximity and technical excellence, this facility will serve as a vital hub for innovation and customer collaboration.
The facility also adds further resources to the company’s main lab in Shanghai, ensuring continuous support and resource optimization. It offers an improved working environment for the team, with modern amenities and a design that balances flexibility, efficiency, and local cultural elements.
“This strategic positioning enhances our ability to innovate and introduce new products tailored to Chinese consumers,” adds Robert Marti, VP North Asia, Food & Beverage at Symrise. “It also strengthens our engagements with local food and beverage producers. As we continue to develop and optimise our offerings, both our customers and consumers will benefit from a broader range of high-quality products, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty in this key region.”
The Beijing office and lab underscore Symrise’s commitment to innovation, customer intimacy, and market expansion. With additional hires of technical experts, the company sees itself well-positioned to drive growth and deliver superior products across various categories. Symrise anticipates this facility will enhance its current offerings and open market opportunities, solidifying its presence in the Northern China and beyond.
Alesayi Beverage Corporation, a leading beverage manufacturer in Saudi Arabia since 1959 with 60 % market share in the energy drinks’ category, is partnering with SIG to expand its product and packaging portfolio. Using a state-of-the-art SIG SureFill 42 Aseptic BIB filling system, Alesayi will launch exciting new products in hotels, restaurants and cafes (HoReCa).
For Alesayi Beverages this is a completely new entry into the business with products in bag-in-box packaging, relying on the expertise of SIG who is the global leader in BIB packaging. SIG will initially supply Alesayi Beverages with its SIG SureFill 42 Aseptic filling line, as well as 10L SIG bags using the SIG 2Pure Film, a one-layer film specifically developed for water and ideal for BIB applications, retaining a high water quality for up to a year without affecting taste. The 10L bags come with SIG OptiTap 2300 fitment, a self-closing thumb toggle valve for simple, intuitive and consistent dispensing of water and other beverages, offering convenience to consumers.
Mohammed Ali Alesayi, Chief Board of Directors and CEO at Alesayi Beverage Corporation: “This is just the beginning of our long-term strategic partnership with SIG, as we continue our ambition to become the number one food and beverage co-packer in the MEA region. We’re committed to offering our customers SIG’s unique portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions, including aseptic carton, bag-in-box and spouted pouch, as well as accelerating our sustainability roadmap.”
The new BIB system will be located at Alesayi Beverages new state-of-the-art production facility in Jeddah, which covers more than 98,000 square meters built up area.
Abdelghany Eladib, President & General Manager India, Middle East and Africa at SIG: “By operating our bag-in-box packaging system, Alesayi Beverages will benefit from the system’s flexibility and high performance, enabling product diversification using a number of bag shapes, sizes and fitments. Alesayi will be able to cater to the different business needs of the HoReCa market, starting with water and then moving on to juices and condiment sauces. We look forward to developing our strong partnership and helping Alesayi to launch novel products in our highly convenient packaging solutions.”
Alesayi strives to be a leader in the beverage business and to offer its co-packing customers additional solutions such as juice dispensers as well as coffee and CSD post mixes.
Sidel, a leading provider of equipment, services and complete line solutions for packaging liquids, foods, home, and personal care products, established a new office in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The strategic decision aims to bring Sidel’s expertise closer to its customers and best support their growth in the region.
Sidel has been serving the Central Asia and Caucasus (CCA) region for more than 10 years. The region is a significant market with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and Armenia exhibiting growing GDP and disposable income levels.
Building upon the strong relationships Sidel has already developed with fast moving consumer goods producers in CCA, the company will continue to significantly invest in this region, providing its high standard solutions and services while supporting the local market needs.
The new office will give producers direct access to Sidel’s regional expertise, including local project management, advanced engineering solutions and on-the-ground support services that understand and respond to local market nuances.
Sidel is also committed to investing in the local labour market, leveraging local talent, and developing skills in all core operational functions, including sales, project management and services.
Fruit Shoot is making a splash this June by entering the squash category with two flavours: Berry Galaxy (Strawberry and Blueberry) and Tropical Jungle (Orange and Mango). With squash making up nearly half of all soft drinks for kids1, Robinsons Fruit Shoot’s latest move means retailers can offer parents a refreshing alternative from a brand they already know and love.
As the number one kids’ drinks brand in the UK2, Fruit Shoot is ideally placed to expand its portfolio into squash. Already a favourite with shoppers, its core range (Orange and Apple & Blackcurrant No Added Sugar Juice Drink) is growing by + 1 %3 (vs last year) and its naturally flavoured water range, Hydro, at + 12.8 %4 (vs last year). The new squash is aimed at children aged between 3 and 8 years old and is all about taking them on a flavour adventure through eye-catching pack designs and delicious flavour combinations.
Ben Parker, Retail Commercial Director at Britvic comments, “We can see a clear demand in the kids category for larger sharing formats, so this was the perfect time to expand Fruit Shoot into a brand-new category. As a well-known and trusted brand, Fruit Shoot is well placed to leverage its strong appeal with kids5 and parents, helping retailers to drive further sales within the category.”
The squashes have already launched into Amazon and Ocado, with a wider launch set for 2025, and has an MRSP of £2.
1Kantar Usage Panel In Home & Carried Out, Britvic Defined Dilutes, Share of Total Soft Drinks, Dilutes share of Total Soft Drinks by Age (Under 10s = kids), 52we 14.04.24 2Nielsen IQ RMS, to WE 13.04.24 MAT TY, Total Coverage GB inc Discounters, Britvic Defined Kids Database, Fruit Shoot, excluding Private Label, Value Sales & CGA by NielsenIQ, 52wks to December 31st 2023, Total Coverage OOH. Fruit Shoot, Value Sales 3NielsenIQ RMS, Total Coverage GB incl discounters, Britvic Defined Kids Database, Sales Value % Chg vs last year, 12 w/e 25.05.24 4NielsenIQ RMS, Total Coverage GB incl discounters, Britvic Defined Kids Database, Sales Value % Chg vs last year, 12 w/e 25.05.24
Döhler, a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the food, beverage and life science & nutrition industry acquires Frikos and strengthens its product portfolio of freeze-dried fruits.
Döhler, leading global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the food, beverage and life science & nutrition industry has acquired Frikos, a Serbian company renowned for its expertise in premium quality freeze-dried fruits. This acquisition marks a significant step in enhancing Döhler’s strategic product portfolio, particularly in the area of organic red berries.
Located two hours southwest of Belgrade, Serbia, in the heart of the raspberry cultivation region, Frikos has been at the forefront of innovation in the freeze-dried berries sector for many years. In partnership with Friko’s management, Döhler will build on this success and strengthen its global market position, for example, with their state-of-the-art technology in the production of organic raspberries.
With their strong focus on organic products, Frikos demonstrates their commitment to sustainable farming practices and support for the local agricultural community. The strategic location of Frikos, coupled with their in-house technology and robust quality management systems, leverages the expertise of local farmers and supports continuous improvement of their product quality.
Frikos will have access to all of Döhler’s cutting-edge technologies, and together with Döhler’s application labs, global and local customers can expect prime services and a more extensive product portfolio.
Customers worldwide, especially in North America and Europe, will now benefit from a broader range of premium quality freeze-dried berries as well as a reliable supply chain. This strategic acquisition further strengthens Döhler’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of customers and consumers worldwide for excellent, tasty, healthy and sustainable solutions in the food and beverage industry.
About Frikos Frikos is a company specializing in the production of premium frozen and freeze-dried fruits, particularly in red berries, with a focus on organic locally grown products, like organic raspberries and blackberries. Located in the heart of Serbia’s raspberry cultivation region, the company has established a strong reputation for premium quality products and innovation especially in developing own freeze-drying technologies. With their strong focus on organic products, dedication towards market trends and customer needs, Frikos demonstrates their commitment to sustainable farming practices and support for the local agricultural community.
The Board of Britvic plc announced the completion of the acquisition of the Extra Power energy drink brand from GlobalBev following receipt of regulatory clearance. As part of the transaction, Britvic has also agreed to acquire three additional Brazilian soft drinks brands from GlobalBev, including the energy brand Flying Horse, the juice brand Juxx and the acai smoothie brand Amazoo.
Collectively, this acquisition in Brazil enables Britvic to expand its brand portfolio and regional footprint. Energy is the fastest growing category in the market with volume growing 17 % in 20221 on the previous year and forecast to grow 20 % year-on-year in 20232. Within this category, Extra Power has broad-based distribution and 42 % market share3 in its core regions near Brasilia, while Flying Horse was the first international energy brand to enter Brazil around 20 years ago. Juxx is a premium juice brand with added health benefits, and Amazoo is an acai-based premium smoothie. In the year to December 2022, the acquired portfolio generated R$ 118 m of net sales, growing 26 % on the previous year.
This marks an important extension of Britvic’s Brazilian operations, consistent with Britvic’s strategy to accelerate and expand its presence across Brazil. The acquisition also includes a modern, efficient warehouse in Brasilia that will enhance Britvic’s supply chain efficiency across its wider portfolio and route to market into Brazil’s Centre-West region.
Simon Litherland, Chief Executive Officer commented: “The addition of these brands to our Brazilian portfolio will accelerate our growth trajectory in one of our key markets, as well as generate value overall. In line with our strategy to expand our business and accelerate our growth in Brazil, we now have a meaningful presence in the Centre-West region, providing the opportunity to scale our existing brands into territories where we’ve historically under-indexed, while also bringing new brands into our existing market regions.”
Britvic first entered the Brazilian market in 2015 with the acquisition of Ebba, followed by the acquisition of Bela Ischia in 2017. Since then, Britvic has developed fruit favourites such as Maguary, Dafruta and Bela Ischia into strong national presences known for innovation.
The Maguary brand heritage dates back to 1953 and, similar to the European flavour concentrates brands, is consumed by families at home. This heritage and family awareness enabled Fruit Shoot to be launched in Brazil as Maguary Fruit Shoot – following the same approach Britvic has followed in Europe, where Robinsons and Teisseire are the halo brands. New category launches in recent years have included Puro Coco and Natural Tea, both of which are ready-to-drink formats in the coconut and iced tea categories. More recently, the Brazilian team has expanded Maguary’s presence further, launching a plant-based chocolate drink.
Dafruta Tropical was launched in the flavour concentrates category, utilising the technical know-how of the Robinsons formulation. This new range uses real fruit, has a range of flavours and is pre-sweetened, differentiating it from the traditional concentrates in Brazil which require sugar to be added by the consumer. More recently the portfolio has expanded with the launch of Britvic Mixers and the premium Mathieu Teisseire range of concentrates for cocktails.
The growth market for fruit drinks in Brazil is perfectly complemented by Britvic’s fruit growing and fruit processing company, Be Ingredient, providing natural ingredients for Britvic and the international market.
1Nielsen Energy Market Data all regions 2Global Data volume forecast by category 3Nielsen Data
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc., a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, announced the launch of Zero Proof, a new brand of THC drinkables in fast-acting, sessionable and easy-to-use formats. The brand’s inaugural product offering, Squeeze, is now available at all Curaleaf locations in Illinois, US and will be followed by additional SKUs in the coming months.
Zero Proof Squeeze follows Select’s popular THC-infused beverage enhancer, Select Squeeze, originally launched in March 2021. While similar in functionality and effect, Zero Proof Squeeze has been reformulated with natural sweetener to provide a significantly lighter taste and balanced flavour profile for enhanced mixability. The beverage complement offers a uniquely controllable and customisable experience with an easy-to-pour dispenser and compact design delivering 2.5 mg THC per dose for discreet enjoyment on the go.
Utilising nanotechnology, Zero Proof Squeeze provides a truer-to-flower experience with effects felt in as little as 15 – 30 minutes, significantly faster than traditional edibles. By turning cannabis oil into tiny water-soluble molecules, the THC compounds dissolve evenly into any beverage and are more rapidly and efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream. At launch, four delicious, low calorie and gluten-free flavours will be available including Dash of Cherry, Dash of Orange, Dash of Lime and Dash of Sweet.
“Zero Proof exemplifies our commitment to providing high-quality, consistent consumer products in familiar and approachable formats that model traditional consumer packaged goods,” said Matt Darin, CEO of Curaleaf. “Curaleaf has been on the forefront of creating sophisticated cannabis experiences which we believe will ultimately redefine the way people socialise. We’re proud to bring Zero Proof Squeeze to our patients and customers in Illinois first before expanding to additional markets.”
According a new Gallup poll, the rate of alcohol consumption in the U.S. continues to decline with 62 % of adults under age 35 reporting they drink alcohol, down 10 % from two decades ago. Zero Proof is the latest addition to Curaleaf’s brand portfolio that seeks to redefine how people socialise by delivering a fast-acting, sessionable alternative to alcohol.
Zero Proof Squeeze is now available at all Curaleaf dispensaries in Illinois as well as wholesale dispensaries across the US.
About Curaleaf Holdings Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to enhance lives by cultivating, sharing and celebrating the power of the plant. As a high-growth cannabis company known for quality, expertise and reliability, the Company and its brands, including Curaleaf, Select, and Grassroots provide industry-leading service, product selection and accessibility across the medical and adult-use markets. In the United States, Curaleaf currently operates in 19 states with 152 dispensaries and employs nearly 5,500 team members. Curaleaf International is the largest vertically integrated cannabis company in Europe with a unique supply and distribution network throughout the European market, bringing together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction and production. Curaleaf is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol CURA and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol CURLF.
Latest innovation offers added functionality for consumers with great-tasting formula
BODYARMOR Sports Nutrition announced the launch of its first-ever rapid rehydration beverage, BODYARMOR Flash I.V. Designed to deliver the latest in active hydration and functionality for consumers without compromising on taste, BODYARMOR Flash I.V. is scientifically formulated to ensure the perfect balance of carbohydrates and electrolytes for faster absorption and replenishment.
Developed with the same great-tasting, coconut water base as BODYARMOR Sports Drink, BODYARMOR Flash I.V. offers consumers the ability to refuel, replenish and recover with more electrolytes than the competition, added functionality with Zinc, Vitamins B and C to support a healthy immune system, and the same BODYARMOR promise of no artificial flavours, sweeteners, or dyes.
BODYARMOR Flash I.V. comes in a 20 oz, square bottle and contains over 2200 mg of electrolytes – more than traditional sports drinks – for rapid and sustained rehydration for quick recovery. BODYARMOR Flash I.V. will launch in four great-tasting flavours including Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, Orange, and Tropical Punch. New packaging for BODYARMOR Flash I.V. will feature vibrant flavour colours and highlight key functional benefits to create an eye-catching lineup at retail.
Launching in retail stores regionally this May, BODYARMOR Flash I.V. will be available in-stores nationwide and online via Amazon nationally in 2024. In support of BODYARMOR Sport Nutrition’s first new product offering in more than two years, the brand will feature BODYARMOR Flash I.V. in a variety of social media extensions, OOH media, retail activations, and sampling events in local markets across the US.
Following the successful launch of Robinsons Benefit Drops last year, the UK’s number one squash brand1 is releasing a full benefits-led range of wellness-focused premium squash, named Robinsons with Benefits. The range features three flavours in a 750 ml format, with each containing a different functional benefit through added vitamins and no added sugar, while still retaining that great Robinsons taste. The range is rolling out in the grocery channel now, and available to the convenience channel in June. Almost two-thirds of shoppers say they are interested in beverages with a broad range of functional, better-for-you benefits2, and the new range will provide a convenient and tasty solution to meet shoppers’ needs for tastier, healthier drinks at home.
The new Robinsons with Benefits range consists of:
Robinsons Vitality Peach, Mango & Passion Fruit, boosted with vitamins B3 and D which helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Robinsons Immunity Orange & Guava flavoured, boosted with vitamins C & D to support the immune system.
Robinsons Boost Raspberry, Strawberry & Acai, boosted with vitamin B6 to help recharge consumers’ batteries.
Ben Parker, Retail Commercial Director at Britvic said: “At a time when over half of consumers have revealed that they want to see healthier soft drinks in retailers’ ranges3, it’s the perfect time for us to expand the Robinsons range further to tap into this growing demand. The latest addition to our popular portfolio will build on the success of last year’s launch of Robinsons Benefit Drops, and aims to make it even easier for young people to enjoy benefit-led squash wherever they may be, at home or on the go.
“This launch follows our recent rebrand of the entire Robinsons range, and aims to offer consumers another premium squash for different occasions, sitting alongside our premium Fruit Creations range. The expansion also aims to help consumers make tastier, healthier choices in line with our long-term Healthier People strategy.
Functional benefits are important to almost three quarters of consumers4, and 68 % of shoppers prefer to get their vitamins from their diet, rather than health supplements5. The rollout of Robinsons with Benefits aims to meet this demand, as well as ensuring that customers have a healthier squash option that still tastes great.
The full Robinsons with Benefits range is available in the grocery channel now, and will be rolling out across the convenience channel from June, and will be supported by in-store and online activations throughout the summer, as well as form part of Robinsons’ Get Thirsty marketing campaign.
1NielsenIQ RMS, Total Squash, Britvic Defined, Total Coverage, Robinsons, Value Sales, 52w.e 25.3.22 2The Hartman Group Functional Food & Beverage Supplement 2022. 3Mintel Carbonated Soft Drinks 2022 4FMCG Gurus: The Rising Cost of Living 2022 5Kantar Profiles/Mintel, Vitamins & Supplements August 2022
Expert flavorists will enhance sweet and culinary capabilities with cutting-edge modulation technologies
IFF a global leader in solutions for food and beverages, health, biosciences, and scent has increased its innovation capabilities with two new state-of-the-art flavour labs at its facility in Northern Europe. The sweet and culinary flavour creation labs are the latest addition to the company’s expansive campus that has been in operation since 1964, spanning more than 312,150 square feet in Brabrand, Denmark.
The innovation hub is home to more than 400 employees engaged in research, application development, ingredient and flavour creation. The expanded facility will enable local and regional manufacturers to work in close partnership with a new team of flavourists who will introduce the latest modulation technologies and develop solutions for the beverage, bakery, dairy, snacks, culinary, bars and confectionery end markets. Working with an extensive library of proprietary flavor ingredients they will create exciting and unique flavour experiences for consumers, especially in areas such as masking, sweetness and umami.
“This expanded facility is a testament to our continued investment in innovation to meet evolving consumer expectations,” said Jan Bechtel, regional president of Nourish Europe, IFF. “We will continue to build on our deep expertise and scientific knowledge and invest in tools and products to bring what matters most to consumers in the market: creating the next generation of delicious, healthy and experiential food and beverages.”
Expert flavourists will have access to IFF’s latest research innovations, particularly in plant-based and biotechnology, along with resources like pilot plant manufacturing, ingredient expertise and evaluation studios, creating the perfect environment for end-to-end product design.
“We’re thrilled to launch these flavour labs,” said Laurens Reiber, creative director, Nourish Europe, IFF. “Brabrand is already a massive innovation center, and its location helps us better understand local market preferences and deliver trending global flavours. Now we’re investing further to boost our speed-to-market capabilities and to bring greater value to our partners.”
Following the completion of the Culinary Design Center last summer in Denmark, the opening of the new flavour labs is the company’s latest investment in R&D to develop winning solutions that meet customer and market needs with speed, agility and creativity.
Tate & Lyle PLC announced a new addition to its sweetener portfolio – ERYTESSE™ Erythritol. Through a strategic partnership distribution agreement with a leading supplier of erythritol, this addition expands the companies ability to help customers deliver on consumer demand for healthier, sugar and calorie reduced products, and extends Tate & Lyle’s position as one of the world leaders in ingredient solutions for healthier food and beverages.
ERYTESSE™ Erythritol has 70 % the sweetness of sucrose and a similar temporal profile, with zero1 calories2. It can be used in a range of categories, including beverages, dairy, bakery and confectionery. Erythritol fits well into our existing portfolio and can be used alone or in combination with natural sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit, and high potency sweeteners like sucralose. It offers a full sugar-like taste experience and helps customers formulate sugar reduced foods and beverages at an acceptable cost in use. It can also be used to create sweetening solutions for manufactured food products, including bulking and mouthfeel when sucrose is reduced or removed. In addition, it offers good stability in high levels of heat or acidity during processing, making it suitable for a host of formulations.
The Compound Annual Growth Rate for all new product launches globally with low/no/reduced calorie claims containing erythritol (either on its own or in combination with other sweeteners such as stevia and sucralose) for the last five complete calendar years was 22 %3, indicating strong and consistent demand for erythritol. The strategic partnership agreement will provide security of supply and can meet both the short-term and long-term demands of Tate & Lyle’s customers.
The perception and awareness of the benefits of erythritol are increasing with 67 % of industry professionals feeling positive about the ingredient, and an increasing number of US consumers likely or very likely to buy a product which contains erythritol now at 23 % (up from 6 % in 20204).
1This information value may vary from country to country, Tate & Lyle recommend reviewing applicable local regulation. 2Regnat K, et al. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018 Jan;102(2):587-595 3Mintel GNPD, 2017 – 2021, 5 Year CAGR, October 2022 4Tate & Lyle USA Ingredient Tracker Wave 4, 2022. QB4 Below is a list of ingredients that are commonly used in food or drinks. Which of these ingredients are you aware of? QC1 Please indicate what impact, if any, these ingredients typically have on your purchase decision if you read it on the label of a product you were thinking about purchasing (variable base sizes)
Refresco Group B.V., the global independent beverage solutions provider for Global, National and Emerging brands and retailers in Europe and North America, today announces it has entered into an agreement to acquire Tru Blu Beverages Pty Ltd., one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of non-alcoholic beverages. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs, comments: “Today’s announcement is a testament to our proven Buy & Build strategy. We started with one factory in Europe just over two decades ago and steadily built a diversified, pan-European platform. Only six years ago, we took our first step into North America. We now operate over 70 manufacturing sites globally, with just about half of those located across North America and the rest throughout Europe, offering a full range of beverage solutions to a broad customer base. The acquisition of Tru Blu Beverages in Australia creates a new platform for Refresco, in line with our strategic promise to expand into a third continent. The three strategically located manufacturing sites are the starting point for our future footprint in the region. Acquiring Tru Blu Beverages further strengthens our position as beverage solutions provider to branded customers and leading retailers globally, and provides new opportunities for further growth.”
CEO Tru Blu Beverages, Peter Brooks, adds: “By joining Refresco, our customers, suppliers and employees will be able to benefit from the Company’s broad capabilities, experience and expertise. We are proud to become part of the Refresco family, with its strong entrepreneurial spirit and passion to deliver quality service to its customers. Tru Blu Beverages’ leading capabilities and blue-chip customer base gives Refresco a solid entrance into the Australian market. We look forward to building an even stronger platform together.”
Strategic rationale
The acquisition of Tru Blu Beverages expands Refresco’s addressable market and provides opportunities to leverage Refresco’s size and scale, as well as its track record of successfully integrating companies. Tru Blu Beverages fits right into Refresco’s business model, with its wide range of beverage solutions for retailer brands and global, national and emerging brands. In addition, Refresco’s strategic ESG agenda will enable Tru Blu Beverages to accelerate its efforts of minimising the environmental impact of manufacturing processes, packaging and transport.
Refresco obtains a national Australian market position by acquiring Tru Blu Beverages, with opportunities to drive continued growth in the region, both organically and through acquisitions.
Refresco intends to continue expanding its global and strategically located footprint to better serve existing and new customers through a range of formats and channels. The company will continue to make selective investments and acquisitions, targeting value accretive opportunities.
About Tru Blu Beverages Tru Blu Beverages is a privately-owned beverage manufacturer focused on providing non-alcoholic beverages to Australia’s largest retailers and brand owners. Tru Blu Beverages employs over 400 staff and has three manufacturing facilities, located in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, supported by a distribution network with warehouses in all major Australian capital cities.
Sponsored Post – The South Tyrolean fruit processing company VOG Products has come up with new organic products, for example Demeter-certified juices and purées. Quality is also guaranteed by the source, because the raw products originate solely from the company’s own members.
When consumers are looking for safe, monitored and healthy food, they like to buy organic products. This is also reflected in cultivation: for example, Assomela, the association of Italian apple producers, is forecasting record organic production in Italy this year – 197,402 tonnes and an increase of 4 per cent compared to 2021. The same is true for VOG Products: here, the quantities of organic raw products delivered have doubled in the last three years.
VOG Products is a trend-setter on the organic market and has continuously been expanding the organic range: along with juices, concentrates and purées, – also available in practical small-format packaging such as the “Bag-in-Box” – the South Tyrolean organisation of producers also offers organic-quality frozen fruits, cut and canned fruits.
Compliance with the highest organic quality standard is always guaranteed: following the Bioland partnership and the certification obtained last year from Bio Suisse, the largest organic organisation in Switzerland, VOG Products has recently also become Demeter-certified. Demeter is the oldest organic association in Germany, whose criteria for food processing go far beyond the requirements of the EU Regulation on Organic Farming.
Origin as an additional guarantee of safety
Christoph Tappeiner (Photo: VOG Products)
“Our organic range is diverse – but one thing always remains the same: every product and every package contains our expertise in the organic sector, which has grown over the years,” emphasises Christoph Tappeiner, CEO of VOG Products. “We source our organic raw materials solely from our members in South Tyrol and Trentino. With traceability back to the origin and close monitoring along the entire production chain, we meet the highest safety and quality standards, something that customers and consumers in the organic sector value greatly”, says Tappeiner.
In addition, the sun-drenched hills are an ideal location for the best organic apples. The raw materials come from within a radius of no more than 70 kilometres. The producers are organic farmers by conviction and manage the mostly small family farms close to nature and with a lot of heart. VOG Products is closely linked to the producers, especially since the fruit processing company based in Laives is owned by three organisations of producers from South Tyrol and Trentino and 18 South Tyrolean cooperatives. On this basis there are around 6,000 families of fruit growers, many of whom recognised early on the enormous potential of organic cultivation.
South Tyrol does, in fact, play a leading role in the organic sector at European level: organisations of producers based in the region and VOG Products members VIP and VOG are the largest producers of organic apples in Europe. What is significant is that almost every fourth organic apple in the EU comes from South Tyrol.
Reducing sugar levels in everything from carbonated soft drinks and seltzers to dairy shakes has never been a higher priority for beverage brands and their suppliers globally.
Treatt’s sugar reduction capabilities are growing with the introduction of its new Brix Booster products.
The range extension follows the success of the first Brix Booster, and is in response to increasing consumer demand for authentic, sugar-like flavours which meet healthier living needs without compromising on taste.
The expanded range offers unique blends of all natural sweet ingredients, essences and aromas that do not add calories to finished beverages, delivering everything from subtle sugar cane notes, through to bold sugar profiles with rich molasses nuances.
Brix boosting benefits
Increases sweetness perception
Improves mouthfeel
Improves authentic sugar profile when formulating with high intensity sweeteners (HIS)
Lifts overall flavour profile of beverage
The Brix Boosters increase the perception of sweetness within a beverage while improving mouthfeel adding a more authentic sugar like profile. Because they contain the volatile aromas from natural sweet foodstuffs that have been specifically selected, they slot into a beverage formulation without disrupting the overall profile.
Rosie Travers, Health & Wellness Category Manager at Treatt comments: “Our Brix Boosters can be used as a sugar flavour ingredient in sugar free, low and reduced sugar formulations, or in conjunction with natural or synthetic high intensity sweeteners. This natural flavour provides an authentic sucrose impression to the sweetness profile. We have seen success across a wide range of applications in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. They deliver a sugar-like taste, rounded sweetness, improved mouthfeel, and lasting sugar flavour that works harmoniously within the flavour profile of the beverage.”
Introducing the range: 3 sugar taste profiles for any application
Brix Booster 9884 has a mild sugar flavour profile, reminiscent of unrefined sugar or sugar cane. Works well with flavoured waters, lemonade, citrus and berry flavour beverage applications.
Brix Booster 9885 has a rich sugar flavour profile, reminiscent of light brown sugar. Works well with orangeade, cola, tonic, tropical and berry flavour beverage applications.
Brix Booster 9886 delivers a bold sugar flavour profile, reminiscent of brown sugar with notes of dried fruits and molasses. Works well with iced tea, coffee, cola, ginger beer, brown and robust flavour beverage applications.
Azelis, a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, announces that it has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Ashapura Aromas Private Limited, a leading distributor of ingredients in the flavours & fragrances market in India.
This acquisition provides Azelis with a strong F&F platform in Asia Pacific, creating a global F&F network, following its 2021 acquisitions of Vigon in the US and Quimdis in France, serving the Americas and EMEA regions respectively. Ashapura’s extensive product portfolio strategically complements the group’s lateral value chain in the fast-growing F&F market segment, strengthening the offering and technical expertise Azelis provides to customers.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Mumbai, Ashapura is the leading distributor of F&F ingredients in India, representing more than 225 principals with well-established partnerships and serving over 900 customers globally through the breadth and depth of its portfolio of products. Ashapura’s 100 plus employees will join Azelis, along with founders and owners Ajaykiran and Nayan Gudka, who will remain to lead the business post-integration. The transaction is expected to close before the end of the third quarter, after fulfilment of customary closing conditions.
Premium fruit and vegetable ingredient supplier SVZ announced a strategic investment for its Belgian processing plant in Rijkevorsel. The latest in a series of global growth and sustainability-focused investments, SVZ seeks to expand the facility’s capacity to meet rising consumer demand for fruit and vegetable ingredients – while also boosting its sustainability credentials.
Growing capacity
Demand for naturally healthy, nutritious ingredients is growing as consumers become more aware of the impact what they consume has on their wellbeing. To fulfil this need, SVZ is investing in the capacity and processing technology required to process larger quantities of fruit and vegetable ingredients on-site without compromising on quality. A new pasteuriser in the plant, for example, will allow its Belgium facility to boost its puree production significantly.
This investment follows similar expansions across SVZ’s global processing plants, as the business meets this heightened demand for fruit and vegetable ingredients. In Poland, for example, the Tomaszów facility’s concentrate line has been bolstered, while SVZ’s US-based plant has not only boosted its puree line but is also investing in new automation technology to streamline the production process even further.
Sustainability first
SVZ’s investment in the Rijkevorsel plant also supports the business’ sustainability efforts – and progress towards its 100 % sustainable sourcing goal. The Belgium facility has seen a massive reduction in CO2 emissions over the last two years – and this new effort will aim to build on this by further decreasing heat consumption and exploring new ways of reusing expended energy within the facility. Indeed, the new pasteuriser will reduce emissions by 19 % – a crucial step in SVZ’s journey to low carbon production.
This new investment also contributes to SVZ’s broader mission of boosting the sustainability credentials of all global processing sites. SVZ’s Spain-based plant in Almonte, for example, has been recently fitted with solar panels, and a new cold storage facility has also been constructed to reduce reliance on third party-storage and transportation. Meanwhile, SVZ’s US processing plant has focused recent investment on water treatment, so water can be cleaned and reused.
Growing better, together
“SVZ has its sights set firmly on the future,” says Pieter Spanjers, CEO at SVZ. “This new investment increases our Rijkevorsel plant’s processing capacity and capabilities to ensure future growth. We are working on an agreement that will significantly increase our sourcing capacity, and we need a facility that allows us to efficiently absorb those heightened volumes, as well as serve our customers while keeping the highest standards of quality.
“We’re passionate about creating a healthier, greener planet and we want to do our part in ensuring it for all generations. This investment will enable us to continue our mission effectively and support our customers in creating tomorrow’s food and beverage products.”
Plastipak, a global leader in the design, manufacture and recycling of plastic containers has completed a major investment to significantly expand its PET recycling capacity at its manufacturing site in Bascharage, Luxembourg.
The original PET recycling facility in Luxembourg opened in 2008 and this new expansion increases annual production capacity by 136 %. The installation and commissioning of the expansion took 12 months and has officially opened.
The recycling facility is co-located with Plastipak’s flagship preform and container manufacturing facility and converts washed rPET flakes originating from post-consumer bottles into food-grade recycled PET (rPET) pellets.
The rPET produced at the site is converted into new preforms and containers produced at the Bascharage facility, which principally serves the German and Benelux food and beverage markets. The expansion complements Plastipak’s existing recycling facilities in France, UK and USA, and follows the recent announcement of a new recycling facility at its plant in Toledo, Spain.
“This latest investment to increase our capacity in rPET production actively demonstrates Plastipak’s long-term commitment to bottle-to-bottle recycling and our leadership in the PET circular economy” explained Pedro Martins, Executive Managing Director of Plastipak’s European division. “Plastipak is the leading producer of food-grade rPET in Europe, with the majority of the post-consumer recycled material we use in Europe produced in-house”.
“Plastipak began producing post-consumer recycled resins for packaging customers in 1989, and has had many expansions in North America and Europe since then. We are excited to continue supporting our global packaging customers in achieving their sustainability goals” said Dave Stajninger, Plastipak’s Global recycling Business Manager.
Plastipak is a major convertor of recycled PET, which represents 27 % of the total resin consumed in Plastipak’s European sites in 2020. At the site of this latest rPET expansion, Bascharage, the proportion of recycled resin consumed in 2020 was 45.3 %.
Strategic, asset-light expansion into functional beverages increases Halo’s addressable market and near-term revenue opportunity
Halo Collective Inc. announced that it is strategically expanding into the functional beverage market with a proposed stock-based acquisition of private company operating as H2C Beverages and the entering into of a distribution and manufacturing agreement with Elegance Brands Inc. Pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement, Elegance has agreed to purchase USD30 million of Halo’s H2C and Hushrooms™ branded products during the 24-month period following the launch of the products and to distribute these products to retail outlets in respective legal states across the United States.
Kiran Sidhu, Halo’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Nootropic nutraceuticals is a relatively new health category that we believe is poised for robust growth. Our strategic acquisition of H2C Beverages will bolster Halo’s growth opportunities, even as the recreational cannabis industry faces over-supply issues in our California and Oregon markets. Elegance Brands is the perfect partner to manage and distribute H2C and our functional mushroom brand Hushrooms to mainstream consumers.”
Added Raj Beri, Elegance’s CEO and Founder, “Elegance has successfully established a distribution network with a potential reach to tens of thousands of outlets nationwide that uniquely positions for the significant growth expected in the beverages and functional mushroom markets. We believe that Halo’s innovative line of products will be strong sellers alongside our portfolio of brands all built around innovation, and we are excited to offer them to our expanding distribution customers.”
Acquisition of H2C Beverages
Halo has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 1285826 B.C. Ltd., a company focused on cannabinoids and non-psychotropic mushroom functional beverages. The H2C acquisition is expected to provide Halo with a toehold in one of the fastest growing sectors of the cannabidiol market, estimated to account for USD16 billion in U.S. sales by 2025, according to Brightfield Research1, as well as to directly participate in rising consumer consciousness toward the health benefits of consuming small doses of cannabinoids and functional mushroom extracts paired with adaptogens. H2C’s product portfolio includes a line of premium flavoured waters that are nano emulsified to maximize absorption and other plant-based beverages infused with cannabinoids, functional mushroom extracts with fulvic and humic minerals from the Rocky Mountains.
In consideration for all the issued and outstanding shares of H2C, Halo has agreed to issue 7,538,462 common shares in the capital of Halo. Closing of the H2C Acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including, among others, the approval of the Neo Exchange Inc. The Company expects the H2C Acquisition to close in January 2022. Halo has also agreed to issue 603,077 Common Shares to an arm’s length finder in connection with the H2C Acquisition.
Distribution and manufacturing agreement with Elegance Brands
Halo has also expanded its collaborative relationship with Elegance by entering into the Distribution Agreement to propel the national distribution of beverages, capsules, and topical supplements under H2C and Halo’s functional mushroom brand, Hushrooms. This new category of functional supplements, nootropic nutraceuticals, will be marketed under three subcategories: active, relax and focus.
Under the Distribution Agreement, Elegance has agreed to purchase USD30 million of H2C and Hushrooms branded products during the 24-month Launch Period and to distribute these products to retail outlets in respective legal states across the United States. Elegance shall purchase the products at a price of up to 130 % of manufactured costs (including all direct costs, both third party and internal) incurred by the Company. All prices are exclusive of applicable taxes, including without limitation, sales, excise, use and property taxes, which shall be paid by Elegance. The Distribution Agreement is expected to deliver up to USD9 million of profit (before tax) during the 24-month Launch Period.
During the period from the effective date of the Distribution Agreement until the Launch Period, which is expected to last up to six months, Elegance will provide certain consulting services to Halo including with respect to the development of branding, marketing, and manufacturing best practices, product development, and sales strategies through to launch. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, Halo has agreed to issue USD2.5 million of Common Shares (the “Elegance Shares”) to Elegance in consideration for the consulting services to be provided by Elegance in connection with the branding, development, manufacturing, and distribution of the H2C and Hushrooms product lines. The Elegance Shares will be issuable in four equal monthly tranches of USD625,000 per tranche. The number of Elegance Shares to be issuable under each tranche will be equal to the quotient of USD625,000 (converted into Canadian dollars using the prevailing Bank of Canada exchange rate), divided by the greater of: (I) the volume weighted average price of the Common Shares on the NEO (or such other exchange on which the Common Shares are principally traded) for the twenty (20) trading days prior to the issuance of such Elegance Shares; and (II) the minimum price permitted by the NEO. The issuance of such Elegance Shares is subject to, among other things, the approval of the NEO.
Symrise AG announced that it has signed a purchase agreement for the acquisition of Giraffe Foods Inc., a Canada based producer of customized sauces, dips, dressings, syrups and beverage concentrates for B2B customers, in the home meal replacement, food service and retail markets. With this transaction, Symrise will take a major step forward in the value chain, providing a wider variety of advanced taste solutions to a larger customer base in North America. This move will drive accelerated growth in the region for Symrise’s Flavor & Nutrition segment. In their fiscal year ended June 2021, Giraffe Foods saw an increase in sales above 25 %, generating revenues of approximately CAD $80 million. The closing of the transaction is expected before the end of 2021. The purchase amount has not been disclosed.
Through this acquisition, Symrise strengthens its market position with a fast-growing customer base in North America and will benefit from Giraffe Foods’ high degree of customer intimacy. Additionally, moving further down the value chain will facilitate access to and further develop new capabilities, including advanced food science and culinary expertise, proprietary recipes as well as new and sustainable packaging formats.
Giraffe Foods Inc. is a leading player in the formulation and manufacturing of custom taste solutions in a wide array of packaging. Based on its advanced R&D and culinary capabilities, customers rely on Giraffe to formulate and produce unique sauces, dressings, syrups, beverage concentrates and more. In addition, customers also value Giraffe for their wide options of packaging and broad range of processing capabilities housed in state-of-the-art facilities. The food service, value added protein and home meal replacement sectors have historically seen strong growth in both North America and Europe.
Symrise will acquire 100 % of Giraffe Foods Inc. from private investment firm Graham Partners and the founding Powell family. Symrise will finance the transaction through a dedicated bank facility. As part of the transaction, Symrise will acquire the existing two production facilities and one warehousing site and integrate the approximately 250 employees of Giraffe Foods.
Expansion includes increased retail presence, robust eCommerce availability, and a wide distribution network
Ingrilli Citrus, Inc., a family-owned business producing high-quality citrus juices out of Capo d’Orlando, Sicily, announced the solidification of its brand in the United States markets. This strengthened U.S. presence includes a wide distribution network, a strong retail presence, operational eCommerce sales, and streamlined sales to retailer warehouses – all of which has been made possible because of the brand’s uniquely focused, in-house farming and manufacturing.
“The Ingrilli family has been farming in Sicily and selling products worldwide for five generations, and our goal has always been to share the labor of our love with as many people as possible,” explains Giuseppe Ingrilli, Business Development Manager, Ingrilli Citrus, Inc. “With this increased U.S. presence, we have done exactly that, establishing our brand on the world stage and sharing our organic, farm-to-table, high-quality and never from concentrate juices directly with you. No other lemon and lime squeeze bottle manufacturer can say that, and we are very proud of the accomplishment.”
Ingrilli™ first began selling citrus juices in the United States in January of 2020. Like all businesses, Ingrilli™ was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the company was able to quickly resume sales and operations. Since then, Ingrilli Citrus, Inc., has opened and maintained operations with multiple distributors, started to sell direct full container loads to retail warehouses, and expanded its retail presence nationwide.
The company attributes this expedient growth to the phenomenal movement of Ingrilli™ products at the retail level, the company’s standout sales team, its excellent relationships with brokers, customers, and retailers, and its singular focus on delivering the highest-quality lemon and lime juice products.
Following this success, Ingrilli™ aims to give back to the community. Since the beginning of the year, Ingrilli Citrus, Inc., has donated about 40,000 bottles of lemon and lime juice to help to feed the hungry, and the company will continue to donate as the opportunities arise.
About Ingrilli Citrus, Inc. Ingrilli Citrus, Inc. is a family-owned business with five generations of farming and producing citrus juices directly from their family orchard in Capo d’Orlando, Sicily. All Ingrilli™ juices and condiments are batch-produced directly in their facilities in Sicily. The company follows the strictest food safety standards, and they do not outsource any of their production. This allows them to squeeze the freshest lemons, maintain the highest quality, and produce the best-tasting juices on the market today.
Sponsored Post – The South Tyrolean fruit processing company VOG Products has come up with new organic products, for example Demeter-certified juices and purées. Quality is also guaranteed by the source, because the raw products originate solely from the company’s own members.