With distractions at an all-time high, Pure Leaf helps Americans find focus with a new functional iced tea and partnership with digital wellness tool Brick
Pure Leaf introduces Pure Leaf Mental Focus, the brand’s first line of sparkling, real brewed iced teas, made with naturally occurring caffeine from black tea and added L-theanine, to help support attention and focus.
In a world full of notifications, texts and endless to-dos, it has become increasingly difficult to focus on the projects that matter – a reason why more than 80 % of Americans say they’re looking for ways to unplug and take a break from the digital world1. To introduce Pure Leaf Mental Focus, Pure Leaf is teaming up with two-time Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and digital wellness tool Brick to highlight the importance of finding focus when it’s needed most.
Pure Leaf Mental Focus key features
Product: New Pure Leaf Mental Focus, real brewed sparkling iced teas made with naturally occurring caffeine from black tea and added L-theanine (an amino acid found in tea leaves)
Benefit: Formulated to help support attention and focus amid everyday distractions
Availability: In the US including all major retailers, convenience stores, gas stations and online
“Functional drinks are no longer niche. People want products that keep up with their lives,” says Zach Harris, Vice President and General Manager, Pepsi Lipton Tea Partnership North America. “Pure Leaf Mental Focus delivers great flavour, plus added benefits. It’s a real brewed iced tea with naturally occurring caffeine from black tea and added L-theanine, making it a smart option for busy days, especially as packed schedules and constant distractions have become the norm.”
How Jordan Chiles finds her focus
Jordan Chiles knows what it takes to stay focused while juggling elite training, gymnastics competitions, school, and touring. Her ability to stay locked in under pressure reflects the mindset required to keep pace with a demanding schedule. Anchored by a consistent pre-competition routine that includes unplugging and meditating, Chiles prioritises getting into the right headspace for whatever challenge comes next, big or small. Pure Leaf Mental Focus iced teas complement that routine, helping support focus throughout her day, from schoolwork to training to her daily to-do list.
“My days move fast, and distractions can add up quickly,” says Chiles. “I’ve learned the biggest game changer is protecting my focus. Whether I’m heading into practice, studying, traveling, or preparing for a competition, I try to be intentional about where my energy goes and make sure I’m in the right headspace. Pure Leaf Mental Focus helps support my attention so I can lock in on what matters and take on whatever comes next.”
The Mental Focus Dock
In an era of nonstop notifications, texts, and endless scrolling, Pure Leaf is partnering with Brick, a digital wellness tool designed to temporarily block distracting apps and websites on phones. Together, they created the Mental Focus Dock, a custom coaster that holds a can of Pure Leaf Mental Focus and a Brick device. The dock’s base houses the Brick to enable blocking selected apps, while the top keeps Pure Leaf Mental Focus close at hand to help support focus and enable people to power through their to-do lists.
Beginning April 28, 2026, consumers can enter for a chance to win a limited-edition Mental Focus Dock by visiting http://www.PureLeafMentalFocus.com. Winners will receive a Pure Leaf Mental Focus kit that includes both flavours of the new Pure Leaf Mental Focus iced tea – Raspberry and Peach, a Brick, and a limited-edition Mental Focus Dock.
Elopak ASA reports stable revenues of EUR 298.2 million for the first quarter on a constant currency basis and EBITDA of EUR 41.0 million, after adjusting for restructuring costs.
First quarter 2026 summary:
Group revenue for Q1 2026 remained stable on a constant currency basis, but declined by 3.9 % in EUR terms, as currency headwinds and lower equipment sales outweighed volume growth in Americas
Americas achieved 6.0 % constant currency revenue growth and an EBITDA margin of 22.3 %, driven by the plant in Little Rock
Adjusted EBITDA amounted to 41.0 million in the quarter, corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.8 %, compared to 14.4 % in the same quarter last year, mainly reflecting currency impacts and one‑off items
Net profit attributable to Elopak shareholders was EUR 16.9 million, in line with prior year, and the financial position remained solid with a leverage ratio of 2.2x and ROCE at 15.1 %
Commenting on Elopak’s performance, CEO Thomas Körmendi said: “The ongoing geopolitical situation poses challenges for all global businesses; however, we remain confident in our ‘Repacking tomorrow’ strategy and in delivering on our mid-term targets”.
Operating income grew 19 %; comparable currency neutral operating income (Non-GAAP) grew 12 %
Operating margin was 35.0 % versus 32.9% in the prior year; comparable operating margin (Non-GAAP) was 34.5 % versus 33.8 % in the prior year
EPS grew 18 % to $0.91; comparable EPS (Non-GAAP) grew 18 % to $0.86
The Coca‑Cola Company reported first quarter 2026 results. “We’ve had a strong start to the year,” said Henrique Braun, CEO of The Coca‑Cola Company. “Our performance this quarter reflects our unwavering focus on staying close to the consumer, executing locally and managing complexity. Yet there’s so much more we can do as we navigate a dynamic environment. Our team is motivated by the opportunity to build on the company’s great foundation.” …
Asahi Group Japan has launched LIKE MILK, the country’s first yeast-based beverage with milk-like characteristics. The product is packaged in SIG SmallBloc aseptic cartons and filled using the SIG Small 12 Aseptic filling machine, a high-output, flexible filling solution from SIG. LIKE MILK is currently in test sales in selected Japanese supermarkets and e-commerce channels, with plans to expand distribution by 2026. The launch is marking a first step of the partnership between Asahi Group Japan and SIG.
Filled by co-packer Mori Milk, the debut of LIKE MILK represents Asahi’s first commercial product in partnership with SIG. “Through LIKE MILK, we aim to help realize a society that embraces food diversity, where everyone can freely enjoy food regardless of physical conditions such as allergies, ethical beliefs, or preferences for non-dairy or health-conscious choices. Unlike traditional dairy alternatives made from soy, oats, or nuts, LIKE MILK is yeast-based and developed using Asahi Group’s proprietary yeast technology. The result is a beverage containing levels of protein and calcium comparable to cow milk, yet free from milk components and the 28 specified allergenic ingredients. This makes it ideal for health-conscious consumers and people dealing with dietary restrictions,” said Tomohiro Hata, Senior Manager, Future Creation Headquarters Department at Asahi Group Japan. “Our LIKE MILK product was brought to market quickly and with the highest quality thanks to SIG’s flexible filling technology and co-packing network. As consumer demands continue to diversify, including growing health consciousness and sustainability awareness, agility in product development and packaging has become critically important.”
As forecast, AGRANA, the food and industrial goods group, recorded a very significant deterioration in earnings for the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year compared to the year-earlier quarter. Operating profit (EBIT) fell markedly to € 5.7 million. Revenue decreased moderately, by 6.8 %, to € 880.2 million.
Stephan Büttner (Photo: AGRANA)
“The overall weak operating performance in the sugar business and the announced one-time staff costs for restructuring measures in Austria and the Czech Republic were the major factors in the poor quarterly result,” explains AGRANA CEO Stephan Büttner. Despite economic uncertainty, AGRANA continued to pursue its goals under the new Group strategy, NEXT LEVEL, and made important progress. “Following the decision in March 2025 to end sugar production in Leopoldsdorf and Hrušovany in order to safeguard sustainable sugar production within the Group, AGRANA decided at the end of May to acquire all shares in AUSTRIA JUICE GmbH held by RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria AG. In our new strategic business area of Food & Beverage Solutions, we intend to more closely integrate the beverage bases and flavours businesses of AUSTRIA JUICE and to globally expand them. AUSTRIA JUICE’s product portfolio and capability to deliver solutions will help us to open up new markets, sales channels and customer groups. Despite the decline in business performance in the financial first quarter, we maintain our forecast for the full year 2025/26 of a Group EBIT in line with the previous year,” says Büttner.
New reporting structure
The new reporting structure in use from the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year is aligned with the two strategic business areas Food & Beverage Solutions (FBS) and Agricultural Commodities & Specialities (ACS).
The Food & Beverage Solutions (FBS) segment replaces what was known as the Fruit segment and comprises products and formulations for the dairy, food service, ice cream, bakery and beverage industries.
The Starch and Sugar segments will continue to be reported separately, with the designation “ACS” added to both names to reflect these segments’ placement under the strategic umbrella of the Agricultural Commodities & Specialities business area.
Food & Beverage Solutions (FBS) segment
Revenue of the FBS segment in the first quarter of 2025/26, at € 444.1 million, was moderately above the year-earlier level, for price reasons.
The FBS segment’s EBIT improved to € 36.4 million in the first three months of the financial year (Q1 previous year: € 27.0 million). The earnings growth resulted from a positive business performance both in the formulations and beverage businesses.
ACS – Starch segment
Revenue in the “ACS – Starch” segment was € 257.8 million in the first three months of 2025/26, a slight decrease from the year-ago quarter. The decline was due primarily to lower sales prices for saccharification products and for by-products and ethanol.
EBIT in the ACS – Starch segment was down very significantly year-on-year to € 2.8 million. The main reason for this was the margin decline in the ethanol business and in starch products. The compensation from the business interruption insurance for the autumn 2024 flood damage at the Pischelsdorf, Austria, plant had a positive impact on earnings in the first quarter of 2025/26.
ACS – Sugar segment
Revenue of the “ACS – Sugar” segment in the first quarter of 2025/26, at € 170.1 million, represented a significant reduction from one year earlier, as moderately higher sugar volumes sold to industrial customers were more than offset by a significant drop in volumes with resellers. However, the main reason for the revenue decline was a significant fall in sugar sales prices, particularly in the industrial sector.
The ACS – Sugar EBIT result in the first quarter of 2025|26 was a deficit of € 29.5 million, representing a pronounced deterioration from the year-earlier quarter. Due to the significantly lower sugar sales prices, the earnings measure “operating profit before exceptional items and results of equity-accounted joint ventures” fell to a loss of € 10.7 million (Q1 previous year: profit of € 0.1 million). A redundancy benefit plan was drawn up in connection with the restructuring through the discontinuation of sugar production in Leopoldsdorf and Hrušovany; the staff costs associated with the plan were € 17.9 million in the first quarter of 2025/26. This exceptional item had an added negative impact on EBIT.
Outlook
At Group level for the full 2025/26 financial year, AGRANA expects operating profit (EBIT) to be steady compared to the year before. Group revenue is projected to show a slight reduction.
As part of the new AGRANA NEXT LEVEL strategy, measures with a sustained annual savings impact of up to € 50 million are to be implemented in the 2025/26 financial year. However, these savings cannot cancel out the effect of the negative market developments seen particularly in the ACS – Sugar segment.
Total investment across the Group in the new financial year, at approximately € 115 million, is to be slightly above the 2024/25 value and in line with budgeted depreciation.
Plenish, one of the number one brands for single shots in the UK, announced three new wellness shots as it continues to lead development of the category, including Kids Shots as a category-first, Ginger Energy providing a balanced energy lift from vitamins C, B6 and iron, plus natural caffeine, and a new redesigned format with 420 ml multi-serve Dosing Bottles.
The shots category is seeing unwavering growth and is predicted to grow in value from £42 million RSV to £115 million RSV by 2027. Plenish is continuing to drive the category growth with innovative additions to its existing range of shots, which respond to the growing number of consumers who are investing in their health and wellbeing.
Plenish Kids Shots
Plenish is proud to introduce Kids Shots as a UK-first in the category as it reaches new audiences with a delicious and nutrient-packed 60ml vitamin shot designed to support the growth and development of children aged between 4 and 11. Plenish Kids Shots are available in two flavours: Berry and Mango and are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals while containing no added sugar or preservatives. The vitamin shots contain 100 % of a child’s recommended intake (RI) of vitamin D for bone health, 100 % RI of vitamin C for immune support, iron for cognitive development and zinc for additional immunity.
Children are in a rapid period of growth and development, and with the percentage of young children at risk of iron deficiency increasing yearly in England and vitamin D deficiency apparent across the UK population, fortified food and drinks can help to provide the key nutrients required at this life stage. Plenish has carefully selected a blend of vitamins and minerals which are essential for children, to address these deficiencies, including vitamin C to aid iron absorption. Plenish Kids Shots meet the England School Food Standards and last outside of the fridge for 8 hours, allowing them to be enjoyed at breakfast, as a healthy addition to a packed lunch or a child-friendly nutrition boost during the day.
Plenish Ginger Energy
Plenish Ginger Energy is spicing up the shots category. The 60ml shots (also available in the new 420ml multi-serve Dosing Bottle format) provide a natural source of caffeine from Yerba Mate (20mg/100ml) for a balanced lift. Plenish Ginger Energy offers energy release from vitamin C, B6 & iron and an invigorating sensorial experience provided by the ginger root coupled with the balanced caffeine from the Yerba Mate and the effective blend of vitamins and iron. The launch marks a new occasion for Plenish as it addresses new needs with the shot which is designed to replace an afternoon coffee or provide a pre-workout kick.
Plenish 420 ml multi-serve Dosing Bottle
Transforming its existing Dosing Bottle format to enter new daily consumption occasions with greater value and convenience, Plenish is introducing a new 420 ml multi-serve Dosing Bottle across its range of shots, now providing seven shots in one convenient bottle. Dosing Bottles are the leading format for wellness shots, holding a 62 % category share, worth £30 million. Plenish’s uniquely designed bottles which contain dosing marks for extra convenience provide a more accessible format and a convenient way for shoppers to enjoy the range, including Ginger Immunity, Turmeric Recovery, Berry Gut Health, Mango Sunshine, and the newly launched Ginger Energy.
Russell Goldman, Managing Director of Breakthrough Brands at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “The launch of Kids Shots, Ginger Energy, and our new multi-serve Dosing format marks a significant next step in the shots category – one that Plenish is uniquely positioned to lead. These new innovations are designed to unlock new occasions, attract new audiences, and make functional wellness even more accessible. By responding directly to consumer needs and working closely with our retail partners, we’re not just expanding our range but driving category growth and bringing plant-based health to more people than ever before.”
The expansion of Plenish’s range of shots will be brought to life throughout the summer, as it continues its ‘Give it a Shot’ campaign launched in January, including the implementation of nationwide out of home advertising, display and paid social media across Instagram and TikTok, shopper marketing and exclusive events. The out of home creative will focus on the health and lifestyle benefits of Plenish’s new shots, appearing in small and large format across London between May and June 2025.
In addition to the creative campaign and media sponsorships, Plenish is running a paid social media campaign across its Instagram and TikTok channels, with content produced by wellness and lifestyle creators.
Indena achieves another milestone: it’s the first global API manufacturer with European CEP certification for its CBD extract, which the company produces for clinical and commercial use.
The European Pharmacopoeia Certificate of Eligibility (CEP) is a document issued by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM). It certifies the compliance of an active substance with the quality and safety specifications established by the European Pharmacopoeia.
This CEP certification underscores the high quality of Indena’s CBD and the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of customers worldwide seeking a quality- and safety- certified ingredient. Furthermore, Indena stands alone globally, as the only API manufacturer to have received this certification.
Indena previously received two key authorisations in 2021. The Italian Ministry of Health granted permission for the manufacture of cannabinoid-based cannabis extracts, while AIFA authorised the production of cannabidiol (CBD) for pharmaceutical use. Indena’s CBD is derived from the flowers and aerial parts of Cannabis sativa L. through extraction and isolation. The raw material is grown and processed in Italy. The company controls, certifies, and fully traces the supply chain, ensuring compliance with stringent Italian regulations. Indena’s rigorous management of the production chain was instrumental in securing authorisations from both Italian and European authorities.
Indena uses registered varieties of hemp with a THC level of less than 0.2 % in accordance with European standards. It also guarantees a residual THC content of less than 0.02 %, well below the limits defined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and by DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). This approach enabled Indena to promptly submit the DMF (Drug Master File) for this product to the FDA.
Cecilia Nastro, Regulatory Affairs Department, says: “This CEP certification represents a significant step forward for Indena. The extensive analytical work undertaken by our team, who meticulously examined our API and processes to meet the demanding standards of this European certification, demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable pharmaceutical ingredients. This achievement positions us well to meet the growing global demand for rigorously certified CBD products”.
Indena processes its hemp biomass in a pharmaceutical-grade facility authorised by AIFA and inspected by leading international regulatory agencies, including the FDA, KFDA, and PMDA. All production adheres to pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), reflecting Indena’s longstanding commitment to the highest quality standards, recognised by the international scientific community.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active pharmaceutical ingredient used in products approved for treating seizures associated with rare childhood epilepsy syndromes, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. CBD is also undergoing clinical development for other forms of epilepsy and is being studied for its therapeutic potential in schizophrenia, other psychiatric disorders, neurological diseases, and autoimmune/inflammatory conditions1.
1C. Michael White, PharmD, A Review of Human Studies Assessing Cannabidiol’s (CBD) Therapeutic Actions and Potential, J Clin Pharmacol 2019, 59(7), 923-934.
Somersby, a market leader in the modern cider segment, is introducing an innovation new product to the market: Somersby Zero. This is the first alcohol-free cider with no sugar and no calories, now available in Germany.
With the Beyond Beer category continuing to thrive, this launch reflects the Carlsberg Group ability to align with key consumer trends, offering a carefree alternative for those who want to enjoy consciously – without compromising on taste.
More freedom, more enjoyment, more options
Under the motto “Zero means more”, Somersby Zero represents a new era of carefree enjoyment: more ease in social gatherings, more variety for nutrition-conscious consumers and more trend awareness. The new Zero range consists of two flavours:
Apple – The popular classic in the cider portfolio
Yuzu & Lemon – A refreshing flavour with the extraordinary taste of the Asian citrus fruit yuzu, characterised by an intense fruitiness with a slightly tart taste that combines notes of grapefruit and tangerine
Gunnar Fischer, CMO Carlsberg Germany, says: “With Somersby Zero, we are delighted to launch a product on the German market that is not only unique, but also a real game changer in the modern cider sector. Somersby embodies the joy of life, lightness and special moments of delight – exactly what Somersby Zero is all about. We are proud to be the first market within the Carlsberg Group to launch this promising product, ensuring we have the right choice for every taste in our portfolio.”
Pioneer of the Zero trend
With Somersby Zero, the brand is positioning itself as a pioneer of a growing wellbeing trend. More and more people are seeking alcohol-free, sugar-free and calorie-free alternatives that align with a modern, active lifestyle. According to a YouGov survey, 49 % of 18 to 24-year-olds have already chosen to abstain from alcohol. At the same time, demand for low-calorie and sugar-free products continues to rise. Somersby Zero is not only the first alcohol-free cider – it also sets new standards for enjoyment without compromise.
Market launch with a major media campaign
The launch of Somersby Zero will be accompanied by the brand’s most extensive marketing campaign in Germany to date. This includes a high-impact out-of-home presence at highly frequented locations in focus cities as well as targeted digital activations on platforms such as Snapchat, YouTube and Instagram. Activations at major festivals in summer and the CSDs in Hamburg and Berlin, a summer roadshow and extensive sampling campaigns put the new product directly into the hands of consumers. Additional attention will be created by eye-catching zero mix displays in stores and a free trial campaign, which will be extended through digital media.
The launch is part of a global plan to introduce Somersby Zero, starting with Germany as the lead market in 2025, followed by expansion into broader markets in 2026, beginning with Poland and Sweden.
koalimo is the latest energy drink innovation, combining the naturally energising qualities of guarana and the sustainable sweetness of cocoa fruit juice.
koawach, specialists in organic, fair trade, and climate-neutral cocoa and guarana products, have created a one-of-a-kind beverage. The result is koalimo – the first caffeinated soft drink made with cocoa fruit juice, available in three refreshing flavours that redefine the energy drink experience:
Sun Burst – a tangy and refreshing taste of grapefruit
Citrus Wave – a zestful lime infusion for a rejuvenating kick
‘At koawach, we’re thrilled to launch koalimo as a sustainable and refreshing alternative to traditional energy drinks, harnessing the unique potential of the cocoa fruit,’ says Daniel Duarte, Founder of koawach. ‘This is a drink that brings together bold flavor, natural energy, and real impact for both people and the planet.’
Each flavour is lightly sweetened with cocoa fruit juice, an upcycled product that benefits both people and the planet. By using the often-overlooked cocoa fruit pulp, koalimo helps provide an extra income stream for small-scale farmers in Ghana and promotes upcycling – making a sustainable impact in the cocoa industry.
The refreshing essence of cocoa fruit is complemented by the energising kick of guarana, delivering 75 mg of natural caffeine per can – comparable to leading energy drinks but with a much simpler, cleaner ingredient list. Moreover, koalimo contains significantly less sugar than typical energy drinks (up to 3g per 100ml), making it a more natural and healthier choice.
koawach has teamed up with Koa, a Swiss-Ghanaian startup that upcycles cocoa fruit pulp, to create the innovative beverage—an effort born from two distinct but aligned brands.
‘We’re incredibly excited for this new koa-llaboration between koawach and Koa—a true match made in heaven!’ says Anian Schreiber, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Koa. ‘With koalimo, koawach has created a drink that brings together exquisite flavour, energising functionality, and a positive, sustainable impact on people and the planet.’
Koalimo will be available in over 1,100 dm stores across Germany and online at koawach.de starting in late November 2024.
Döhler, a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Nukoko, the innovative company behind the world’s first cocoa-free ‘bean-to-bar’ chocolate. Together, Döhler and Nukoko will scale up the production of Nukoko’s patent-pending chocolate alternative, made from fava beans, in response to the growing challenges facing the global cocoa supply chain. With this partnership, Nukoko aims to revolutionise the chocolate industry with a sustainable, low-emission alternative.
This partnership will enable both companies to scale Nukoko’s innovative fermentation process to an industrial level by 2025. Nukoko’s unique process transforms fava beans into a sustainable chocolate alternative, addressing critical issues in the chocolate industry, including rising cocoa prices, environmental impact and socio-economic concerns surrounding cocoa production.
The collaboration between Döhler and Nukoko marks a major milestone in the evolution of chocolate manufacturing. Nukoko’s cocoa-free chocolate is made possible through its patent-pending fermentation technology, which mimics traditional cocoa fermentation to create chocolate’s characteristic flavours from fava beans. This breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chocolate, reducing carbon emissions by up to 90 % compared to traditional cocoa-based products.
As the global cocoa industry faces unprecedented challenges—cocoa prices surged by 89 % in 2023 alone, driven by climate change and declining yields—Nukoko’s cocoa-free solution offers a viable and eco-friendly alternative. Cocoa production has long been associated with deforestation, child labour and high carbon emissions, ranking among the top five food sources contributing to CO2 emissions. Nukoko’s fava bean-based chocolate eliminates these issues by using a domestically grown, nitrogen-fixing crop that promotes soil health and reduces the need for fertilisers.
In addition to its environmental benefits, Nukoko’s chocolate alternative boasts 40 % less sugar and higher levels of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, offering a healthier choice for consumers without compromising on taste.
With the support of Döhler’s expertise in fermentation scale-up and ingredient systems, Nukoko will transition from pilot-scale production to full industrial-scale batches by 2025. This process will involve producing in 10,000-litre fermentation batches, significantly increasing output while maintaining high efficiency.
Döhler’s deep knowledge in regulatory processes and food safety will also be instrumental as Nukoko approaches its market launch.
Pepsi® steps into a dynamic new era with a new look and exciting culture-first experiences across sports and music
Pepsi®‘s new look takes flight worldwide, taking over iconic global locations as its first major global redesign in fourteen years was unleashed across over 120 markets. To mark the moment, digital installations – each featuring the re-designed and refreshed Pepsi® globe logo – rose above landmarks worldwide for a digital showcase of Pepsi®‘s new visual identity in a blaze of pulsing electric blue and black, carrying the brand into its new era.
In London, a Pepsi digital installation appeared beside The O2 arena in the east of the city, appropriate to the brand’s long and storied support of international music acts. The view from the nearby cable cars saw an inflatable Pepsi can rise from the water, shortly followed by a light show of drones forming a pulsating dynamic composition in the sky.
A hot air assembly, forming a giant Pepsi logo, took over skylines in Warsaw, Poland and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, each comprised of over 70 balloons.
Elsewhere worldwide, Pepsi put on vast shows in AlUla in Saudi Arabia, on the Nile in Egypt and Ain Dubai, each harnessing innovative technology – giving consumers cutting-edge experiences to discover. Meanwhile, the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Pakistan saw a giant Pepsi can land mid-game, to the audible delight of the onlooking crowd.
The new logo thoughtfully borrows equity from Pepsi’s past whilst incorporating modern elements to create a look that is unapologetically current and undeniably Pepsi. The updated colour palette introduces electric blue and black to bring a contemporary edge to the classic Pepsi colour scheme, whilst the signature Pepsi pulse evokes the “ripple, pop and fizz” of Pepsi-Cola – moving in time to the beat of the music, the roar of the crowd, the heartbeat of culture. The logo was first unveiled in the US and is now launching in over 120 countries worldwide through various consumer touchpoints – spanning digital, experiential and retail.
The international takeover marks the first step in Pepsi’s new, bold era across design, storytelling, and partnerships. Pepsi will continue to drive culture forward in 2024 by delivering one-of-a-kind experiences, all deeply connected to fan passions and desire to live “Thirsty for More”, the brand’s philosophy, which champions anyone who challenges conventions in pursuit of enjoyment, whilst celebrating people’s thirst for the unexpected and eagerness to discover, experience and do more.
Eric Melis, VP, Global Brand Marketing, Carbonated Soft Drinks at PepsiCo, said: “We wanted to show how Pepsi, through this visual identity change, brings to life its brand platform “Thirsty for More”, which is the attitude and mindset our target audience has of always trying new things and living new experiences. What better way to showcase the brand’s transformation than through these iconic installations. We’ve always been a bold brand that challenges conventions, challenges the status quo and always puts enjoyment first. Our new visual identity is bold, unapologetic, modern, and iconic. Our fans can expect the same great taste they’ve come to love with even more of the immersive and entertaining experiences we’re known for across music, sport and culture.
“People worldwide were asked to draw the Pepsi logo as part of the design process and the majority included the Pepsi name as part of our globe – remarkable given that the name and the globe have been separated for the past fourteen years. When we reviewed our new look, we responded to that deep love of our history and tapped into that nostalgia with a firmly modern twist.”
“We have an exciting 2024 ahead of us with our next stop bringing awe-inspiring entertainment to the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show in June in Wembley and more.”
Pepsi continues to move at the speed of culture, delivering on what people are thirsty for – innovative products and iconic collaborations. In 2024, fans globally can expect to see more from Pepsi’s existing partnerships with ambassadors, including Baby Monster (Asia–Pacific), Uraz Kaygilaroglu (Turkey), G.E.M., Dylan Wang and Leo Wu (China).
As a champion of those who like to step out of their comfort zone and enjoy more of what they really like, Pepsi fans across the globe are urged to keep their eyes peeled for more unforgettable experiences that will land later this year.
GHOST® HYDRATION launches with four flavours and contains zero caffeine
GHOST®, a lifestyle brand of sports nutrition products, energy drinks, dietary supplements, and apparel, introduces the first-ever authentically licensed ready-to-drink (RTD) hydration beverage that can be sipped on throughout the day (or night). With four flavours – ORANGE SQUEEZE, LEMON LIME, KIWI STRAWBERRY, and SOUR PATCH KIDS® “REDBERRY®” – GHOST® HYDRATION is elevating the hydration experience.
GHOST® HYDRATION stands out from other hydration products on the market by proudly declaring zero caffeine and transparently showcasing the dosage of each active ingredient on the GHOST® Full Disclosure Label. The epically flavoured drink has 996 mg total electrolytes and is designed to replenish the five electrolytes lost in sweat. From classic citrus flavours to the mouth-puckering SOUR PATCH KIDS® “REDBERRY®,” there is an option ready to quench thirst 24/7, bringing a whole new level of flavour and refreshment to a daily routine. In addition to kicking caffeine and sugar to the curb, the beverage is vegan-friendly, gluten-free and naturally coloured.
“The sports drink category has been on fire the past year, and GHOST® couldn’t be more excited to bring additional efficacy and some of our authentic flavour collaborations to the shelf,” said Dan Lourenco, Co-Founder and CEO of GHOST®. “Expanding on the success of our powdered hydration product, we can’t wait for the legends out there to get their hands on our RTD hydration product. It’s a flexible and functional anytime thirst quencher with 996 mg total electrolytes, 100 % RDA of Vitamins B6, B12, and Vitamin C, and additional premium trademarked ingredients such as Aquamin® and Senactiv®.”
GHOST® HYDRATION is available in-store at 7-Eleven, Kroger, Walmart, Target, and more in the US.
Maspex Wadowice Group, one of the largest food manufacturers in Central and Eastern Europe, continues its close partnership with SIG as it becomes the first to offer SIG’s domeTwist closure with tethered cap (domeTwist TC) for SIG’s unique carton bottle combidome. This is an important step forward on Maspex’ sustainability roadmap, as it leads the way in adding innovative solutions to its juice ranges.
The company recently launched its Tymbark Vega juices in combidome 500 ml with domeTwist TC, followed by Tymbark juice in 1,000 ml combidome with tethered cap. The retail launch by Maspex comes well ahead of the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, which states that all single-use beverage containers must come with caps that stay attached to the pack by July 2024, so they can be easily disposed of and recycled with the rest of the pack.
SIG’s domeTwist closure with tethered cap does not compromise on convenience for consumers and is compatible with SIG’s existing filling lines and closure applicators, demonstrating the true flexibility and adaptability of SIG’s packaging and filling solutions for customers at minimum cost. This provides maximum planning and investment security for European beverage producers such as Maspex, who must comply with the EU’s regulatory requirements.
(Photo: SIG)
SIG’s domeTwist TC closure can be firmly fixed to the desired position by pressing it down to the top of the pack until it gets into its ‘parking mode’. The cap doesn’t have to be held down and the consumer can easily pour and drink from the carton without any cap interference. For closing, the cap just needs to be lifted slightly before being closed the usual way. Tethering even adds convenience, as the closure is always at hand and never gets lost. High consumer acceptance for both drinking and pouring is already market research proven.
SIG’s domeTwist closure with tethered cap for combidome is one of three closure innovations for SIG’s most popular packs in Europe. Additionally, combiSwift and combiMaxx closures with tethered cap are also available for SIG’s family-size carton packs.
Sponsored Post – VOG Products, the South Tyrol fruit-processing company, has integrated sustainability into its corporate strategy. Priorities, measures and objectives are set out in the sustainability report , which has now been presented for the first time.
Sustainability has been firmly embedded in the DNA of VOG Products since it was founded in 1967. “Our founders’ desire and goal was to give every apple a value – regardless of whether it was too small, too big or didn’t have enough colour – according to the principle: every apple is a good apple,” said Christoph Tappeiner, CEO of VOG Products.
click picture to download the sustainability report
For VOG Products, sustainability is comprehensive: it includes social, ecological and economic aspects. VOG Products’ sustainability strategy is based on six key themes: water, energy and climate protection, health and occupational safety, regional added value, healthy products and innovation. The management and the 210 employees are working hard at every level to achieve their ambitious goals.
These range from a reduction in energy and water consumption to the improvement in the carbon footprint, a safe working environment (goal: zero serious accidents in the workplace) and added value that benefits the members who leave the raw materials to the company. The sustainability report provides information about the strategic approach, measures implemented and planned and the goals being pursued. The report (entitled: “Sustainability is part of our DNA”) has been prepared according to the GRI Standard (Global Reporting Initiative) and refers to the financial years 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Measures for greater sustainability
Probably the key environmental measure implemented in the 2022/23 financial year is the exhaust vapour compression project: the existing evaporation system, which is used in the production of concentrates, will be expanded to include mechanical exhaust vapour compression. The compressed exhaust vapour will in future be reused over several stages to evaporate the remaining water in the juice. In addition to saving steam, the performance required of the cooling tower is also reduced, as are CO2 emissions.
The cooling water has already been optimised: VOG Products has calculated a savings potential of 700,000 cubic metres by using water twice as cooling and transport water.
The producer organisation’s corporate carbon footprint has been calculated since 2020/21. A key partial goal has already been achieved in the past financial year: VOG Products has achieved CO2 neutrality for Scope 2 since green energy solely from hydropower is being purchased in the electricity sector. Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions are aimed at reducing energy consumption in the gas sector and expanding the company’s own photovoltaic system.
EcoVadis, the world’s most reliable provider of sustainability assessments for global supply chains, recently recognised VOG Products’ continuous efforts by awarding them a silver medal.
Koa receives recognition for its socially responsible business just five years after the establishment of its innovative cocoa fruit venture. The Swiss-Ghanaian start-up is excited to announce the success- ful B Corp™ Certification with a score of 95.7 points. As Koa is scaling its operations, the team pushes even further in improving and leading with positive change.
Koa has officially become a B Corp™, short for Certified B Corporation, using the power of business to address some of society’s greatest challenges. “Nowadays, measuring the success of a company needs to go beyond pure financial performance. Since our inception, we measure our success on the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit. Being B Corp certified, we join a community of businesses around the world leading the transformation of the global economic system and we hope that many of our peers will follow our example,” Benjamin Kuschnik, Co-Founder and Group Finance Director of the Swiss-Ghanaian start-up, highlights.
A rigorous review of Koa’s impact
By certifying their businesses, recognised B Corps step into a framework for continuous improve- ment. A company must achieve a minimum score of 80 points on the B Impact Assessment to be certified and repeat the verification process every three years. The extensive assessment measures Koa’s ongoing impact on its workers, community and suppliers, customers, governance and the environment to make sure that the company is meeting high international standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
As a B Corp, the start-up joins the growing movement of around 6,000 Certified B Corporations from 158 industries across 86 countries, including companies like Ben & Jerry’s, Innocent Drinks and Valrhona. The B Corp Certification is administered by B Lab™. Lucy Muigai, CEO of the African B Lab certifying Koa says: “This is not only a win for Koa but a win for the B Corp movement. The recognition marks Koa’s continued investment in tackling poverty in the cocoa supply chain and strengthening rural communities through job creation. Koa joining the B Corp community signals a shift towards greater accountability and transparency in the cocoa sector.”
Founded in 2017, Koa is disrupting the cocoa industry through its innovative upcycling of the cocoa fruit. Koa is the first company in West Africa to have unlocked a new value chain around the so far discarded cocoa pulp and worldwide the first cocoa fruit brand to become a B Corp. Working closely with cocoa smallholders, Koa reduces on-farm food waste around the cocoa fruit, generates additional farmer income and creates new jobs in rural communities. At the same time, Koa brings unique new ingredients to the food and beverage industry for applications ranging from chocolate and confectionery to ice cream or drinks.
Addressing opportunities for improvement
“We are proud to receive this certification, especially since we’re the third B Corp which has its major operations in Ghana, and we’ve been only five years in business,” says Francis Appiagyei-Poku, Finance and Administration Director at Koa in Ghana. “While we have proven to meet B Lab’s high standards, it’s still important to us that we strive for continuous improvement.”
As a water-intensive sector, agriculture poses risks such as water stress or depletion of local water sources if water use is not appropriately managed. Koa’s production process in the factory requires substantial amounts of water and energy for logistics, cooling and cleaning. Koa is therefore constantly improving the infrastructure to reduce resource usage such as investing in a rainwater harvesting system.
Besides environmental improvements, Koa is actively training its workforce for an international environment. Koa is committed to having more women and minorities in leadership positions since diversity is at the core of its business and the team aims to set an example beyond the sector it works in.
Biosyntia has secured a Series B funding round of 11.5 million euros from a strong syndicate of experienced venture capital investors. The round was closed with an investment from the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) and the two existing investors, Sofinnova Partners and Novo Seeds, the early-stage investment and company creation team of Novo Holdings A/S. The investment will allow the company to enter the production phase of its first-of-its-kind, natural and sustainable active ingredients as well as expand the pipeline of products. The first product to be commercialized is a bio-based biotin (vitaminB7), for use in dietary supplements, food, and beauty products.
Biosyntia is an industrial biotech company delivering nature’singredients at scale both affordably and sustainably. Using cutting-edge biotechnology and proprietary R&D tools and insights, the company is developing first-of-its-kind precision fermentation processes to replace fossil-based alternatives. Its vision is to develop a natural and environmentally-friendly production process of essential nutritional active ingredients, reducing the use of petrochemically-based processes and driving a positive environmental impact. The company today has several commercial partnerships, including collaborations with large market players such as Givaudan and WACKER.
Leading coconut water brand Vita Coco is transporting your tastebuds to the tropics with the launch of its boldest-flavoured coconut water yet. Vita Coco Coconut Juice, the brand’s first juice offering, is available since June 2 right in time for summer sipping.
A refreshing blend of coconut water and a burst of tropical, refreshing flavour, Vita Coco Coconut Juice is a thirst-quenching beverage to help you beat the summer heat. Conveniently canned for consumers who need a quick on-the-go boost, Vita Coco Coconut Juice is available in two bold flavours – Original with Pulp, and Mango – with a sweet, unexpected taste that demands one more sip. It is gluten-free and non-GMO, and 50 calories for Original with Pulp (per 8 fluid ounces) with 10 grams of sugar, and 80 calories for Mango (per 8 fluid ounces) with 17 grams of sugar.
Vita Coco Coconut Juice is sold in 16.9 oz aluminum cans and is available in the US at 7-Eleven stores and other convenience store locations across the East Coast and Southeast for an MSRP of USD 2.49 per unit. Limited 12 pack quantities of Vita Coco Coconut Juice are also available online at www.vitacoco.com.
About Vita Coco Vita Coco is the leading coconut water beverage brand, celebrated for bringing the benefits of coconuts to the world. Championed by informed consumers, health and wellness experts, pro-athletes and celebrities for its nutrient-rich hydration, Vita Coco’s portfolio now includes coconut milk and coconut oil.
Company will put its paper straw innovations into the public domain to encourage industry collaboration, and will also explore bio-degradable materials
Tetra Pak has today announced that customers have started field testing its paper straws for beverage products in Europe. The move means Tetra Pak is the first carton packaging company to provide such straws for beverage cartons in the region.
The company also announced its intention to publish and share its innovations on paper straw developments to support industrial collaboration on the alternatives to single use plastic straws for beverage cartons.
Adolfo Orive, President and CEO, Tetra Pak said: “We are pleased to have developed a paper straw that is fully functional and meets internationally recognised food safety standards. This is an important step in our vision to deliver a package made entirely from plant-based packaging materials, contributing to a low-carbon circular economy.
“We have decided not to apply for patent protection on the numerous technical improvements we have made on the equipment and the materials, and instead put our innovations into the public domain. For the industry to achieve its common goal of driving towards a low-carbon circular economy, the entire supply base for paper straws must expand and grow quickly. We invite all suppliers and customers to use our knowledge and join forces with us to ramp up production as quickly as possible.”
Made from FSC™ certified paper and recyclable with the rest of the package, the new paper straw will be available initially for two small size carton packages commonly used for dairy and beverage products for children: Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Base and Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Base Crystal.
The field testing of the paper straw is beginning with limited volumes while the company increases production capacity at its straw plant in Lisbon, Portugal.
The company also announced that it has been assessing technical advancements and working with a number of technology leaders to explore biodegradable options, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a polymer derived from plant-based materials which is also biodegradable.
Other sustainable drink-from development projects in Tetra Pak’s pipeline include tethered caps and integrated drink-from systems. The company has mobilised development and supply chain teams, securing extra resources to advance these priority plans.
The Coca-Cola Company reported a solid start to 2019, with continued momentum that included gaining global value share. Reported net revenues grew 5 % in the first quarter, and organic revenues (non-GAAP) grew 6 %, with positive performance across all operating groups, in addition to a benefit from timing.
“We’re encouraged by our first quarter results as our disciplined growth strategies continue to deliver strong underlying performance,” said James Quincey, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. “We remain confident in our full year guidance as we continue to make progress on our transformation as a consumer-centric total beverage company.”
Highlights
Quarterly Performance
Revenues: Net revenues grew 5% to $8.0 billion. Organic revenues (non-GAAP) grew 6 %. An estimated 2 points of revenue growth was attributable to timing, primarily related to bottler inventory build in order to manage uncertainty related to Brexit. Additionally, the quarter included one less day, which resulted in an approximate 1-point headwind to revenue growth.
Margin: Operating margin for the quarter, which included items impacting comparability, was 29.1 % versus 23.7 % in the prior year. Comparable operating margin (non-GAAP) was 30.5 % versus 30.7 % in the prior year. Strong underlying margin (non-GAAP) expansion was offset by an approximate 260 basis point negative impact from currency headwinds and net acquisitions.
Earnings per share: EPS from continuing operations grew 24 % to $0.38. Comparable EPS from continuing operations (non-GAAP) grew 2 % to $0.48, despite an 11-point currency headwind. EPS included an estimated 2 cent benefit from timing, primarily from the bottler inventory build related to Brexit.
Market share: The company continued to gain value share in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages.
Cash flow: Cash from operations was $699 million, up 14 %. Free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $335 million, down 1 % as strong underlying cash generation was offset by currency headwinds along with an increase in capital expenditures and cash tax payments.
Share repurchases: Purchases of stock for treasury were $397 million. Net share repurchases (non-GAAP) totaled $243 million.
Company Updates
Chairman transition and an evolving growth culture: Following the company’s annual meeting on April 24, James Quincey will become the 14th chairman of The Coca-Cola Company, contingent upon his reelection as a director. Quincey succeeds Muhtar Kent, who is retiring after a Coca-Cola system career that started in 1978. Kent served as chairman and CEO from 2009 until 2017 and then as chairman after Quincey became CEO. Quincey intends to build on the strong foundation Kent has established within the system, including a focus on fostering a growth-oriented culture.
Pursuing the company’s World Without Waste goals: Supporting its commitment to the World Without Waste initiative and improved transparency, the company issued its annual progress report, which cited continued progress globally on design, collect and partner efforts. For example, the company, along with its bottling partners, now has 100 % recycled PET bottles in multiple markets and will have them in more than a dozen markets by the end of 2019, driving successful circular solutions for packaging. Much of the system’s Latin America business is engaged in a multi-country project to significantly increase the use of refillable packaging, and markets globally are assessing ways to move toward more diverse business models for product delivery.
Broadening a consumer-centric portfolio: During the quarter, the company completed its acquisition of Costa Ltd., which gives Coca-Cola a significant entry point into hot beverages and a global platform in coffee. In the second quarter, the company will begin to leverage Costa’s scalable platform across formats and channels with the introduction of Costa ready-to-drink products. Coca-Cola also closed its acquisition of CHI Ltd., an innovative, fast-growing leader in expanding beverage categories in West Africa, including juices, value-added dairy and iced tea.
Driving profitable growth under the Leader, Challenger, Explorer framework: Strong innovation within Leader brands included double-digit growth for Coca-Cola Zero Sugar globally for the sixth consecutive quarter. Within the U.S., the company showed strong performance for Orange Vanilla Coke and Orange Vanilla Coke Zero Sugar, which helped drive 6 % retail value growth for brand Coca-Cola. The company also launched Simply smoothies in the U.S., while innocent, the company’s leading juice brand in Europe, expanded into plant-based beverages. As a Challenger brand, smartwater continues to innovate through the successful rollout of smartwater antioxidant and smartwater alkaline in the U.S. Within Explorer brands, the company continued to capitalize on brands with edge, including Aquarius GlucoCharge, which has shown early signs of success in the fast-growing enhanced hydration category in India.
Aligned and engaged system investing for growth: The company has established a sustained platform for performance that is focused on disciplined portfolio growth through an aligned and engaged system. Across the bottling system, the company is seeing the right strategic investments in supply chain, cold-drink equipment and sales force capabilities to drive accelerated results. These investments are creating a winning strategy in the marketplace, centered around improved execution that is committed to increasing the availability of core products, in addition to expanding the total portfolio.
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Sponsored Post – VOG Products, the South Tyrol fruit-processing company, has integrated sustainability into its corporate strategy. Priorities, measures and objectives are set out in the sustainability report , which has now been presented for the first time.