Bevolution Group, one of most diverse and innovative beverage manufacturers in the US, announced the launch of Dr. Smoothie’s Watermelon Kiwi Refreshers. This is the latest flavour of its widely successful Refreshers line of beverages to help consumers refresh and recharge with a hint of green coffee extract.
Dr. Smoothie Refreshers are crafted from real fruit juice and green coffee extract, which is a natural energy boost that consumers will love any time of the day. These fresh-tasting beverages offer more than just simple refreshment.
The new Watermelon Kiwi Refreshers joins a growing portfolio of Dr. Smoothie Refreshers that include Strawberry Acai; Watermelon Cucumber Mint; Wildberry Hibiscus; Peach Mango; Blood Orange Coconut Ginger; and Dragon Fruit Lychee.
These lightly caffeinated beverages are perfect for smoothie shops, cafes, bars or any foodservice establishment that caters to consumers seeking a unique, premium option for their beverage menu that delivers a blast of refreshment with a great taste.
Just like the other Refreshers beverages, the new Dr. Smoothie Watermelon Kiwi Refreshers is just pure goodness: no artificial colours or preservatives, no HFCS, sweetened with cane sugar and stevia, shelf-stable, made with real fruit juice and natural flavours, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan and blended in the US.
Dr. Smoothie Refreshers Watermelon Kiwi are available in 46 Fl oz, shelf-stable bottles and are sold to foodservice distributors or direct in the US.
The increasing trend of consuming organic food products along with healthy eating habits, especially among the young generation, is driving the demand for smoothies. According to the latest data provided by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the global smoothies market is estimated to reach a value of USD 52.5 billion by the end of 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 6.8 % during the forecast period (2023 to 2033).
Smoothies refer to thick beverages that are made by blending assorted vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients such as sweeteners, ice cubes, yogurt, seeds, milk, and herbal and nutritional supplements. They are rich in nutrients, including fibers and vitamins, and are easy to prepare and store for consumption. More people nowadays are also including green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, collard greens, spinach, and kale due to the increasing trend of green smoothies. These green smoothies are consumed to improve digestion, boost immunity, and minimise unhealthy food cravings.
Nutritional deficiencies and malnourishment have been affecting a large part of the population across several countries. However, over the years, due to improving economic conditions, these issues have been largely replaced with chronic diseases such as epilepsy and heart attacks, diabetes, obesity, strokes, and arthritis, especially in developed nations.
According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), chronic diseases are one of the prominent health problems in the United States.
More people are becoming health conscious and are adopting healthier lifestyles by making alterations to their everyday diets. There has been a remarkable shift from carbohydrate-laden food products to healthy protein-enriched meals and snacks, in terms of demand. Furthermore, functional foods and beverages such as smoothies are also consumed by many people to meet their routine nutritional requirements.
Long working hours and hectic lifestyles are stimulating the demand for on-the-go-meal options, which, in turn, is strengthening the growth opportunities for market players. Key manufacturers are focusing on new product launches and strategic initiatives to drive market growth over the coming years.
Vegetables and fruits are used as major raw ingredients in the production of smoothies. Fluctuations in the prices of raw materials due to climatic changes can directly impact the cost of the final product. This is expected to restrain market growth to some extent.
Key Takeaways from Market Study
The global smoothies market is anticipated to reach a value of USD 52.5 billion by the end of 2033.
Demand for smoothies is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 6.8 % during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.
The global market for smoothies is valued at USD 27.2 billion in 2023.
The fruit-based segment is expected to account for more than 50 % market share by the end of 2033.
Sales of smoothies in Germany are projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.8 % from 2023 to 2033.
Demand for smoothies in Canada is set to expand at a CAGR of 5.5 % through 2033.
Geneva, Vitafoods Expo 5 – 7 October 2021, booth J291: Allmicroalgae will introduce its portfolio of nutrient-rich, sustainable and vegan-friendly microalgae ingredients
At Vitafoods Expo, Allmicroalgae will showcase its new organic ‘spirulina’ range. Derived from the microalgae Arthrospira platensis, the sun- or spray-dried ingredients are available in paste, powder, nibs and flakes format. They are rich in protein and dietary fibre, and contain all the essential amino acids, as well as antioxidant phycocyanin, iron, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. The combination of valuable plant proteins, iron and vitamin B12 make spirulina-based ingredients a perfect fit for vegan food and supplement concepts, supporting a balanced, plant-based diet. Thanks to their mild flavour, they can easily be incorporated into a wide variety of food and drink products, such as baked goods, pasta, juices, smoothies and fermented beverages. The nibs are a perfect topping for ice cream, yogurt, salad and cheese. Visitors to the booth can learn about the complete range of microalgae-based ingredients, including the organic autotrophic Chlorella vulgaris and the organoleptically improved heterotrophic Smooth, Yellow and White Chlorella vulgaris, all of which combine sustainable processing with a full nutritional load.
According to Allied Market Research, the growing global spirulina market is predicted to reach nearly 900 m USD by 2027, with a CAGR of 10.5 percent (2020-2027).1 Recognising this development, Allmicroalgae has installed a production line for spirulina ingredients and plans to further extend annual production capacity from 4 – 6 tons to 20 tons in 2022, with the addition of two more raceways. Joana Laranjeira Silva, Plant and R&D Manager at Allmicroalgae, says: “Spirulina has a long history, with proven evidence that the Aztecs consumed the microalgae. With its unique nutritional profile and low-resource cultivation, this ancient superfood is an innovative solution to the modern-day challenge of making our diets more sustainable while maintaining a nutritional profile that contains all of the required nutrients.”
At its production site in Leiria, spirulina ingredients are processed combining an artisanal approach with state-of-the-art technology, and can be manufactured according to EU organic standards (PT-BIO-03 EU Agriculture certificate). The company is the first supplier to make the microalgae widely available as a paste. This form is the result of a concentration step that allows the formation of a spirulina cake, which is the final base for the conventional ingredients in the form of powder and nibs. The advantage of the paste format is minimal processing, unique freshness and a natural texture. It offers advantages for the production of refrigerated and frozen food, such as dairy fermented products, juices, ice cream and sauces.
For the production of powders and nibs, the company is investing in gentle solar drying to maintain the valuable nutritional profile, and its bioactive properties. The latter are related to anti-fatigue effects and support type 2 diabetes treatments, anaemia, pulmonary diseases, muscle and skeletal health. In children, an improvement of fine motor skills, concentration and cognition can also be expected.
Increasing demand for microalgae
With the alternative protein market sky-rocketing, Allmicroalgae has been continuously expanding its capacities and is equipped to achieve a potential annual output of around 100 tons of dried biomass. Its production system covers more than 2,000 cubic metres, 1,300 of which house photobioreactors and fermenters. A further 700 cubic metres of covered raceways were recently installed for the production of spirulina.
Having become a European leader in Organic Chlorella vulgaris production, visitors to the Allmicroalgae booth (J291) discover more about their Organic Chlorella range as well as its innovative light-coloured Chlorella ingredients (White, Smooth and Yellow Chlorella vulgaris) with improved organoleptic profile. These ingredients are available as paste and powder. The company also offers capsules and tablets and in this field a real USP: By reverting to organic carriers and excipients, 100 % organic products can come to life when using Organic Chlorella vulgaris.
All the ingredients are classified as food by EFSA and FDA, and are produced in line with Halal, Kosher and GMP requirements. Furthermore, they are free from gluten, lactose, nuts, additives, soy and GMO, perchlorates and pathogenic flora such as Bacillus cereus, and processed without the use of fertilisers, pesticides and irradiation.
Sponsored Post – Fruit processors can’t run away from peeling fruits. Fruit juice, fresh-cut, jam, pie… anything you make from fruit, you always must peel fruits. The large food factories already have gigantic machines to peel fruits in high-speed, and those machines do every peeling on behalf of human. Then, what about the small juice bars and small shops? Unlike the factories, they do not have neither enough space to install a machine, nor enough budget to purchase an expensive unit. Every day they are peeling fruits by their hand, and for those people, the ASTRA KA-700H can be a great help.
KA-700H “Peel-a-ton” is a compact, industrial peeling machine designed for use in limited process space. The 30 x 30 cm body easily fits in any place of the kitchen and can peel more than 20 kinds of fruits in speed of 400 peeling per hour. From apples, kiwis, oranges, grapefruits, peaches, small mangoes… KA-700H peels many fruits of the season, which means the machine will be your help all around the year. Peeling is done in three seconds with easy operation, and the machine can be used continuously for more than 8 hours.
(Photo: Astra Inc.)
The manufacturer of this machine, ASTRA is inventing peeling machines for over 20 years. The company is well-known in the persimmon peeling field and has more than 80 % share in Japan. Japanese dried persimmon is a luxury gift, and people require beautiful surface and high yield. To meet the tough demand, ASTRA peeling machines evolved year by year, and now it can peel many kinds of fruit, with the same beautifulness as the luxury persimmon. The ASTRA peeling machines are highly evaluated in the field that especially requires the beautifulness of the peeled fruit, such as supermarkets, cake shops, restaurants and more.
(Photo: Astra Inc.)
KA-700H is already used in 20+ countries, mainly in the fresh-cut fruits and fresh juice industry. As ASTRA Inc. sees the booming opportunity in the markets, the company is now looking for distributors in many areas.
Sponsored Post – Large industrial fruit processors such as central kitchens and food factories, often use fruit peeling machine. Replacing manual peeling with peeling machine is a common trend since it can save labour fee and improve speed. However, many small fruit juice bars still peel fruits by themselves. Small kitchens do not have neither enough space to install a large machine, nor budget to purchase an expensive unit. There are some compact, low-priced peeling machines in the world. However, most of them are too cheap, easy to brake, too slow… except for the ASTRA KA-700H.
KA-700H “Peel-a-ton” is a compact, industrial peeling machine designed for use in limited process space. The machine can peel more than 20 kinds of fruits, in speed of 400 peeling per hour. Choose your fruit, insert the fruit, and GO! Easy to operate with simple navigation, allowing uncomplicated training for any level of employee.
The largest difference between the KA-700H and other common peeling machine is that KA-700H peels with peeler blade, while the others peel with a rotating round-type blade unit. This difference might seem small, but this makes varieties of merits for every customer.
Astra vs normal comparison (Photo: Astra Inc.)
Peeler blade peels the fruit surface to a smooth polygonal shape, while the round-type unit creates a bumpy, rough surface. In other words, Peeler blades makes higher yield and less waste. The peeling speed is faster, since the peeler blade can peel larger area than the round-type unit. Also, the KA-700H is good in adjusting the peeling depth. For those who peel lemons might know that the aroma of lemon is mostly included in the yellow surface of the lemon skin, not in the white part. KA-700H is possible to peel just the very surface of lemon, which is the reason why this unit is highly evaluated from the Limoncello distilleries.
KA-700H is already used in 20+ countries, mainly in the fresh-cut fruits and fresh juice industry. As ASTRA Inc. sees the booming opportunity in the markets, the company is now looking for distributors in many areas.
The fruit, starch and sugar group AGRANA is extending its presence in Asia and acquiring the fruit preparations business of the local food producer Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd. AGRANA Fruit Japan Ltd. will be starting with the production of fruit preparations on 1 April and therefore now includes a fourth Asian country in addition to China, India and South Korea. As the global leader in fruit preparations, AGRANA now maintains 26 production sites in 20 countries.
The fruit preparations plant in question is located in Yokkaichi, in southern Japan, around 100 km east of Osaka. From there it will supply customers in Japan’s bakery products sector as well as dairies and ice cream producers. Japan has a constantly growing market for fruit preparations with a volume of around 60,000 metric tons and forecast annual growth of 2-3 % a year.
“The acquisition of this Japanese fruit preparations plant from TAIYO is an important step as part of our expansion in Asia. The growing Japanese market for fruit preparations is characterised by high quality demands and innovations. This ties in perfectly with our high quality standards and the innovative direction as the global market leader in the fruit segment, where we satisfy the needs of our customers with a wide portfolio – ranging from standard fruit preparations for yoghurts and ice creams to premium-segment fruit solutions such as sauces, condiments, fillings and smoothie bases,” explains the CEO of AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, Johann Marihart.
Fruit preperations at AGRANA AGRANA’s fruit preparations contain top quality fruit which is either puréed or diced and used in dairy products or in the ice cream and bakery products industries. These products are individually designed by AGRANA on the basis of close development-related collaborations with customers. In addition to fruit preparations, AGRANA also offers innovative preparations with “brown flavours” such as caramel, coffee or vanilla as well as so-called inclusions (e.g. chocolate balls). In addition to the food processing industry, AGRANA also supplies its fruit preparations to fast-food companies and food service providers.
New beverage joins the company’s suite of juices and smoothies that support a healthy immune system now in larger multi-serve size
Continuing to innovate and deliver products that meet the fast-changing needs of today’s consumer, Bolthouse Farms is adding to its suite of juices and smoothies that help support a healthy immune system with its new Superfood Immunity Boost. The new blend, an excellent source of Vitamin C, D and Zinc, was crafted with elderberry, cranberry and echinacea, delivering an unmatched combination of flavor and nutrition and will be available on retail store shelves in late-October this year. With consumers making more mindful choices at the shelf, Bolthouse Farms has met the demand for more functional, immunity-supporting products as wellness routines are maintained at home.
“Consumers’ needs are changing quickly, and we heard from our customers that the demand for products that help promote wellness, that taste great and are available at a good value is growing at a fast pace,” said Bolthouse Farms Chief Customer Officer Phil Kooy. “We quickly developed the new Superfood Immunity Boost juice and added multi-serve sizes of our other immunity-boosting juices and smoothies, providing the value and function consumers are looking for.”
Today’s consumer is looking for products to address overall personal wellness – maintaining a healthy immune system remains top-of-mind with cold and flu season just around the corner. While the Superfood Immunity Boost fruit juice blend is available in only the larger 52-ounce multi-serve bottle, Bolthouse Farms has selected five of its most nutrient-dense beverages to offer in this format as well as its single-serve 15.2-ounce bottles, including:
C-Boost – with 600 % daily value of Vitamin C per serving, this blend with pear, mango and Acerola cherries may help support a healthy immune system.
Green Goodness – a combination of ingredients, like apple, mango, kiwi and spinach, are perfectly blended for a smoothie with great taste and a good source of antixoxidants, vitamin A and vitamin B12.
Multi-V Goodness – flavor from cherries, strawberries, cranberries and pomegranates combine to deliver 6 grams of fiber and 100 % daily value of 13 essential vitamins including A, C and E per serving.
100 % Pomegranate – pomegranates are one of the best known superfruits and the ruby red seeds give this juice a unique sweet/tart flavor.
Carrot Ginger Turmeric – a twist on traditional carrot juice with ginger and turmeric for a flavorful beverage that is not only an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin A, but also supports an anti-inflammatory diet1.
These new size offerings and the new fruit juice blend are another step in the company’s journey toward its long-term vision Plants Powering People™, and follows the launch of Bolthouse Farms plant-based Protein Keto™ beverages and plant-based Refrigerated Dressings last month. Expect more product innovations to be announced in coming months, including products that support a healthier lifestyle, with great taste, good value and which meet consumers’ rapidly changing needs.
1Contains turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
About Bolthouse Farms For more than a century, Bolthouse Farms has been known as the innovation leader in growing and distributing carrots and high-quality, innovative branded products. Employing more than 2,200 people and headquartered in Bakersfield in California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley, Bolthouse Farms is one of the largest carrot growers and distributors in the U.S. Guided by its vision – Plants Powering People – the Company produces and sells super-premium juices, smoothies, café beverages, protein shakes, functional beverages and premium refrigerated dressings, all under the Bolthouse Farms® brand name.
Following long years of contract-bottling, the smoothie and juice producer innocent has decided to build the very first bottling plant of its own. Krones won the order for four complete PET bottling lines and the corresponding IT landscape. The paramount consideration for “the blender”, as innocent has christened its greenfield project, was sustainability: the aim is to build an entirely CO2-neutral factory. “But we’re also keen to reduce water consumption to a minimum, since we want to treat and re-use as much of it as possible,” explains Sam Woollett, Engineering and Facilities Lead. Each of the four identical PET lines handles up to 32,000 containers an hour. The new plant has been tasked with filling about 400 million bottles of chilled drinks a year. In all, innocent has invested approximately 250 million US-dollars in this project.
Four complete PET bottling lines from Krones
The Contipure AseptBloc DA blow-moulder/filler block consists of a Contiform 3 Pro stretch blow-moulding machine and a Modulfill Asept aseptic filler. For the Contipure D preform sterilisation module, innocent naturally enough opted for a particularly sustainable version. This ensures a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), thanks to lower consumption of hydrogen peroxide, steam and energy, plus shorter preparation times. All containers after being filled are fitted with a tamper-evident seal and – depending on the format involved – dressed in a wrap-around or pressure-sensitive label. What’s more, the modularised Topmodul labeller is block-synchronised directly with the Variopac Pro FS packer.
Syskron is digitalising all the factory’s processes
As the group’s digitalisation specialist, the Krones subsidiary Syskron has developed a turnkey MES concept for innocent that through appropriate interfaces also integrates the ERP system, the process control and warehouse management systems in the new plant. This concept includes various solutions from the SitePilot IT family brand, not least the Planning production planning system, the Line Management order and administration system, plus Line Diagnostics for production data acquisition and analysis. From the category of Share2Act services, innocent will in future be using Connect: this enables all information, such as shift schedules, to be made available to all staff in digital form.
Chief Blender Andy Joynson explained that innocent is “aiming to build the earth’s favourite little healthy drinks factory, the blender. It’s location in the Port of Rotterdam is no accident: We will minimise the distance between the place where the fruits arrive from overseas and the actual production facility. This enables us to reduce the company’s CO2 footprint by about ten per cent. We are delighted that we will be able to bottle our healthy drinks in our own plant, but more pleased that we will ensure that the production operation and the buildings comply with our sustainable standards.”
Just in time for FIE, the Hamburg- based ingredients specialist Bösch Boden Spies presents a new product in its range: Cranberry Seeds from Ocean Spray.
Seeds are all the rage because they give food texture and provide valuable nutrients. The new Cranberry Seeds from Ocean Spray go one step further: with their bright red color, they are also a visual highlight, and turn every product into an eye-catcher.
The red color is one hundred percent natural and comes directly from the fruit. The seeds also provide valuable fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, and consist of 20 % plant-based protein. In this way they enhance food not just visually, but also functionally, and give it a crunchy texture.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Seeds offer a wide range of possible applications, e.g. in snacks, baked goods, muesli and granola bars, yoghurt and salad toppings, spice mixes, smoothies and drinks.
They are harvested from the flesh of ripe cranberries, from which they are separated using a physical process, and then dried to the desired degree of moisture.
The seeds are a by-product of cranberry production. By making them usable, Ocean Spray is able to utilize the entire fruit – a further step towards sustainability for the company.
The keto diet trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down – in fact, it’s projected to grow even more over the next five years1. Smoothie King – the world’s leading smoothie brand inspiring guests to live a healthy and active lifestyle – is the first smoothie chain to answer the need of carb-conscious guests who are seeking a keto-friendly blend with the launch of new Keto Champ™ smoothies.
Keto Champ™ smoothies are blended with high-fat, high-protein ingredients like almond butter, collagen MCT blend, cocoa and almond milk, and contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. With less than 10-net carbs per 20 oz. serving, Keto Champ™ smoothies support the health and wellness journey of guests following the ketogenic diet.
Available in two tasty blends, Keto Champ™ smoothies contain high protein and fats that help to curb cravings and leave guests feeling fuller longer. They are also an excellent source of fiber and calcium, and a good source of iron:
Smoothie King® Keto Champ™ Berry: Blended to perfection with wild blueberries, whole raspberries, almond milk, almond butter, 100 % cocoa and Smoothie King’s keto protein blend, the Keto Champ™ Berry contains nine grams of net carbs per 20 oz. serving, with 31 grams of fat and no added sugar.
Smoothie King® Keto Champ™ Coffee: Providing an extra caffeine boost with almond milk, cold brew coffee, almond butter, 100 % cocoa and Smoothie King’s keto protein blend, the Keto Champ™ Coffee contains seven grams of net carbs per 20 oz. serving, with 31 grams of fat and no added sugar.
Keto Champ™ smoothies are available in all Smoothie King locations in the US.
Valid at all participating Smoothie King locations during store operating hours on August 20. Maximum one 20 oz. smoothie per customer.
New system will enable companies to substantially improve capacity and operational performance, dramatically cutting rejection rates in the process JBT Corporation has announced the launch of a new solution for filling flexible pouches commonly used in the infant nutrition and sports drinks categories, which could spark further market growth for the sector. The JBT AsepFlex™ Linear Pouch Filler has been developed to overcome problems associated with current pouch packaging, including a high rejection rate and low capacity.
The market of flexible packaging is growing, with pouches becoming the preferred option for processors and consumers thanks to their non-breakable, lightweight, easy to open, and easy to empty (squeezable) characteristics. In the infant nutrition category flexible pouches are expected to grow their market share by 10 % each year.
However, growth in the category has been restricted by limits to current pouch filling technology. The two existing shelf stable pouch solutions both suffer from significant drawbacks. Solutions using an aseptic form fill seal typically have a low capacity and a high Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) due to a high rejection rate. Hot fill with retort sterilization solutions, meanwhile, often have low (120 ppm) capacity and low product quality.
The JBT AsepFlex Linear Pouch Filler has been developed to solve the problems with these existing solutions by substantially improving capacity and operational performance. With a capacity as high as 500 ppm – or 30,000 pouches per hour – the fully aseptic solution is designed in accordance with the FDA guidelines for low acid aseptically filled food products and can achieve an impressive operational performance, with a 95 % efficiency rate and a typical reject rate of only 0.5 %.
JBT Product Manager, Bert Krakers, said: “Apart from capacity and aseptic integrity, the AsepFlex Filler offers flexibility. Pouch formats and sizes can be changed on the fly without the necessity to change parts.”
The filling system, he explained, can fill a wide range of products from water-like liquids through to high viscous products, such as smoothies with particulates. It can also be equipped with a nitrogen dosing system to reduce the oxygen in the headspace of the pouch, which limits the chemical deterioration (oxidation) of the product, helping maximize product shelf life in the process.
The JBT AsepFlex Filler has been designed for use with infant nutrition products, such as fruit and vegetable purees, and ready-to-drink baby food, as well as sports and breakfast drinks ‘on-the-go’, and nutraceutical products. A first AsepFlex filling unit in Europe has recently been supplied to a leading specialist in infant nutrition.
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.
Odwalla is bringing a smooth, tasty twist to the kombucha craze.
Odwalla Smoobucha, which hits stores in the U.S. after a buzzed-about unveiling at Natural Products Expo West tradeshow in Anaheim, Calif., blends the great taste and texture of fruit smoothies with the boldness of pasteurized kombucha.
Three flavors – Citrus & Guava, Berry & Ginger and Apple & Greens – offer a unique mashup of flavor and function, with 40 percent less sugar and fewer calories than leading smoothies. The cleverly named beverage also includes 500 million colony-forming units of “good” bacteria, an excellent source of fiber that helps support digestive health and delivers 100 % daily value of antioxidant Vitamin C. Odwalla Smoobucha, offered in 15.2-oz. bottles, can be enjoyed as a nutritious, on-the-go snack.
Odwalla also is introducing two limited-edition flavors inspired by the vibrant essence of spring. Hot Tropics and Mint to Be Berry offer a refreshing blend of 100 % juice, coconut water and trendy botanical ingredients such as jalapeño and mint.
As a global leader in the nutrition industry, Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) is continually working on optimizing its performance and aligning it to future market requirements. This year, for example, this has included investing in state-of-the art technologies and establishing modern, interdisciplinary organizational units and additional routes to ensure greater customer proximity. Here are a few new developments:
ADM Strengthens Presence in Africa
In addition to its existing office in Nairobi, Kenya, ADM opened another location in Africa at the beginning of 2018. The new office in Lagos, Nigeria, is a key contact point for customers on the North/West African market, and provides them with fast, direct access to the consulting and other services of ADM experts. A qualified team with extensive knowledge of the industry, operational expertise and regional experience is available to current and potential customers. The team provides advice for all issues relating to production – from new plants or processes through to ingredients. Their broad knowledge makes the ADM team in Lagos reliable partners who can support manufacturers with a view of the whole picture.
New Production Plant for Colors in Berlin
As a result of further increasing demand for foods and beverages with natural ingredients, ADM has increased its production capacity for WILD coloring foodstuffs and WILD Colors from Nature® at the company’s Berlin site. One of the two new production lines is designed for water-soluble products, the other for emulsions. The colors are used in flavor systems and fruit preparations, and also sold as single ingredients. Moreover, in the summer of 2018, the company started up a sampling plant for color samples. The same technology enables a scale-up process for the production plants. Sample units are available in quantities of 1 to 20 kilograms.
Chocolate Center: Efficient and Customer-Oriented
Almost no category hold as much potential for new creative product developments as food containing chocolate. This is reason enough for ADM to establish a new Chocolate Center in Berlin. Since September, several teams of experts from relevant specialist fields have been working here together with customers to develop innovative products. The customers benefit from this in two ways: they can outsource large parts of the time-consuming and production-intensive product development, and they remain actively involved in decisive creative steps.
In line with the guiding principle “Turning the best out of nature into Multi-Sensory & Nutritional Excellence”, Doehler will present pioneering ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions which reflect the core topics of naturalness, plant-based nutrition, Nutritional Excellence and Multi-Sensory Experiences® to visitors at the SIAL trade show, held from 21 to 25 October.
Unique taste explosions in beverages
Doehler will present inspiring product ideas for beverages based on the best and natural ingredients for unmistakable taste experiences. Smoothies have been innovation drivers in the beverage aisle for many years. But they are no longer only about puréed fruit. The new generation of smoothies offers a lot more than just pure nutrients, with their sensory properties also part of the impressive package! Tropical fruits, such as goldenberry and guava, add a fresh and fruity taste, chia and flax seeds create an extra-crunchy mouthfeel, while turmeric provides a highly natural shiny colour. That makes the “superfood smoothies” a real highlight in the beverage aisle and a unique indulgence for all the senses!
Through years of experience, comprehensive industry expertise and global networking, Doehler develops customised concepts for the different consumer target groups. At SIAL, Doehler presents its extensive portfolio of Adult Soft Drinks which are specifically tailored to the consumer requirements of the 25+ age group. The innovative Brewed Sodas or Kombucha impress thanks to their reduced sweetness and extraordinary flavours.
Healthy nutritional value through the power of nature
Less sugar – same full taste. Foods and beverages with optimised nutritional value that are exactly in line with a modern, healthy lifestyle are what many consumers want. Doehler will present new beverage concepts at SIAL featuring healthy added value and fewer calories and ranging from innovative energy drinks to premium reduced-sugar lemonades and reduced-calorie fruit and vegetable juices. The company will also introduce its new range of MultiSense® Flavours in addition to numerous sweetening solutions that enable the reduction of sugar content by up to 100%. The MultiSense® Flavours range can be used to achieve significant sugar reduction without having to use sweeteners or to significantly improve the taste and mouthfeel of reduced-sugar products. MultiSense® Flavours create a balanced overall impression for soft drinks and dairy-based beverages and are therefore perfect for a broad range of innovative products.
Botanical diversity – Doehler offers its customers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality botanical plant extracts and full spectrum powders which provide health-promoting additional benefits, unlock unique taste experiences and are 100% natural. The portfolio includes, among other things, African extracts from baobab, moringa leaves and honeybush. The high-quality extracts impress thanks to a naturally fresh taste, and also provide inspiration for healthy and trendy product positionings. Thanks to state-of-the art processing technology, it is possible to use botanic ingredients in a wide range of applications, from clear, near-water beverages, such as Aqua Plus, up to full-bodied yoghurts or food products, such as cereal bars.
Doehler also offers plant-based proteins, such as pea and rice protein blends, that supply the body with all the essential amino acids it needs, and taste good, too. Thanks to the use of proteins from high-quality raw materials, supported by natural flavour compositions, the end products – from cereal bars to snack drinks – are characterised by outstanding multi-sensory properties.
Plant-Based Nutrition
Be it on health grounds or due to particular beliefs, more and more people are cutting out animal products and choosing a purely plant-based diet. Whereas just a few years ago, plant-based alternatives were the preserve of select specialist shops, they are now a staple found in almost any supermarket.
Based on Doehler’s broad portfolio on plant-based ingredients such as protein, fruit and vegetable ingredients, or dairy-free ingredients from oats, almonds, rice or coconut, the company creates numerous inspiring product concepts that reflect current lifestyles and the spirit of the times. Delicious plant-based desserts with fresh fruit preparations and flavours ranging from apple, pineapple, blueberry or mango that provide a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional yoghurts or creamy plant-based ice cream based on coconut with the subtle taste of turmeric. The new generation of plant-based drinks also create new and exciting taste experiences based on dairy-free ingredients, such as delicious cold brew coffee drinks with plant-based proteins, or fruity rice drinks with exotic tastes.
Hall 5a, Stand H218
The first impression always counts! When it comes to buying food and beverages an appealing color and appetizing appearance are indispensable. Color not only indicates freshness, quality and a delicious taste. In the age of social media consumers also place high value on vibrant food to make their Instagram and Facebook feeds colorful. Pink burger buns, green popcorn or purple smoothies are only the beginning. At the same time, consumers focus more than ever on healthy nutrition. Additives and E numbers are simply not accepted anymore. EXBERRY® by GNT, one of the global market leaders in Coloring Foods, will be at FoodTech Barcelona from 8 to 11 May with its all-natural colors from fruit and vegetables. At stand 712, the brand’s experts will provide advice, inspiring ideas and support food and beverage manufacturers in fulfilling consumer demands.
“Color is one of, if not the most important buying criterion for food and beverages, today. Manufacturers need to be aware of the latest trends to make their products succeed on the shelf”, says Carla Compte, Country Sales Manager GNT Iberia S.L. “Our market trend analysis shows that 2018 is the year for purple! It is an ideal color shade to attract attention and to deliver inspiring food and beverage that meet the needs of consumers.” The EXBERRY® portfolio offers more than 400 shades of intense and stable colors. They are suitable for all types of applications and meet the highest quality expectations and standards.
EXBERRY® experts will be available at stand 712 to provide insights into recent color trends, advise on the application of Coloring Foods and explain the quick and easy transition process from additives to Coloring Foods. The booth will also demonstrate the concept “from farm to fork” – the complete vertical integration of the EXBERRY® supply chain which guarantees best quality, year-round availability and stable prices. A supermarket area with many applications will further show how they support a clean label. During live demonstrations, visitors will have the opportunity to get a first-hand impression of Coloring Foods and taste trendy purple smoothies.
Individual solutions, healthy added value and unique Multi-Sensory Experiences®
Whether for children, adults, health-conscious consumers or the generation of “foodies”, at Biofach in Nuremberg, Doehler will present innovative products and product applications that are explicitly tailored to the individual needs of the various consumer groups for the first time.
Organic products for the whole family
Many consumers increasingly expect that products should be sustainable, fair trade or organic and these factors strongly influence their purchasing decisions. At Biofach 2018, Doehler will present a diverse range of concepts for the entire family which are in line with this trend. These include delicious smoothies made from high-quality fruits and vegetables and fruit nectars without added sugar which are particularly suitable for children, or fruity NFC juices and refreshing fruit splashes. In addition to high-quality conventional ingredients, the company produces a comprehensive portfolio of certified organic ingredients at 14 sites worldwide. In this context, Doehler benefits from its vertical integration comprising a worldwide network of raw materials, its own fruit and vegetable processing in the growing regions and agro-sustainability programmes around the globe. Doehler’s portfolio also includes a broad variety of SAI FSA-verified as well as Rainforest Alliance, UTZ and Fairtrade-certified raw materials.
Naturally healthy – organic products with functional added value
“Superfoods” are literally on everyone’s lips. At Biofach, Doehler will display innovative product concepts that combine pure indulgence and functional added value, such as a delicious apple acai ginger “Juice Shot” for a healthy boost on the go or a fruity-fresh chia smoothie that creates unique Multi-Sensory Experiences® with the extra-crunchy chia seeds. The “Savoury Snack Drink” is also full of valuable vitamins and nutrients. With various vegetables and a refreshing note of mint, this savoury snack makes a healthy meal when you’re on the road.
Greater variety and new taste experiences for organic products
Doehler is an expert for entirely new taste experiences based on innovative food and beverage concepts. Thanks to its integrated approach, the company provides everything from a single source – from the field to the supermarket shelf. At Biofach, Doehler will present a varied ingredient portfolio and innovative concepts which breathe new life into organic products.
Doehler will display fascinating concepts which meet adult consumers’ wishes for diverse and more natural soft drinks with less sweetness. The organic tea beverage “Peach-Lemon Black Tea”, for example, wins over consumers with its authentic “freshly brewed tea” taste. To meet the growing demand for beverages tailored to an adult taste profile, Doehler offers a wide range of herb and spice extracts such as ginger, cardamom, lavender or peppermint which create a unique signature taste. Doehler also has access to unique and tailored raw materials, which allows for traceability throughout the entire supply chain.
Coffee remains among the most popular beverages for adults and Cold Brew Coffee is one of the growing trends in this segment. Whether enjoyed pure or mixed with milk – cold brew coffee is much less bitter and acidic than the hot version and is characterised by fruity, caramel and chocolate flavours since it is prepared in a gentle process with no heat at all. Doehler has developed a unique process to capture the special flavours of cold brew coffee, which protects the entire flavour profile and makes it possible to create particularly authentic beverage and food concepts.
In Nuremberg, Doehler will also be presenting its comprehensive portfolio of organic fruit and vegetable ingredients, which can be used for many other creative food and beverage compositions. The company’s range of certified organic ingredients includes NFC juices, juice concentrates and purées in traditional flavours such as apple, sour cherry or blackcurrant as well as more exotic flavours such as white guava, grapefruit or mango, which create new taste experiences for organic products.
Global demand for exotic fruit is rapidly increasing. Today, the worldwide fruit puree concentrate market is valued at more than US$400m (€332m) and is expected to grow to US$700m (€581m) by 2026.
Similar growth is expected in the exotic fruit puree concentrate market which is predicted to reach US$274m (€227m) by 2026.
What is causing this increase and how can exotic fruit processors meet the demand without compromising quality?
Consumer demands
The worldwide increase in consumption of baby food is a significant factor in the predicted expansion of the market. Alongside this, growth in the fruit juice industry, and the increasing demand for fruit smoothies and other products, is further encouraging development in the sector.
Currently, fruit juices tend to be made from juice concentrate. However, manufacturers are starting to use puree concentrate instead. This shift provides consumers with a thicker, better-tasting, smoother drink and exotic fruits are a key ingredient within many of them.
Exotic fruits include high quantities of fibrous material, which further increases its consumer appeal from a health perspective. As ‘better-for-you’ products become more popular, the demand for fruit puree concentrate is only going to increase and so are the varied ways in which it is processed.
For example, when it comes to juice processing, most fruits are crushed and the juice is then extracted. However, as consumers look for better taste, a thicker consistency and to keep some of the important nutrients intact, processors are responding by peeling the fruits, removing the skin, seed pockets and stones to achieve a high-quality concentrate and puree.
Advanced technologies
Fruit peeling is an important part of the juice and smoothie manufacturing process. Current methods involve certain fruits – such as peaches, apples and mangos – undergoing a lye peeling process. This sees produce pass through a boiling sodium hydroxide solution which burns off the skin. This process, however, uses large volumes of water, and can lead to high levels of food waste which makes the process inherently inefficient.
Technological advances in steam peeling have created significant advantages over lye peeling. These allow for reduction in water usage, limiting the amount of produce wasted and contributing towards an altogether more sustainable process.
Today, leading equipment manufacturers have delivered innovations which can steam peel and sort a range of fruits including apples, mango, peaches, nectarines and papayas. These innovations also help processors overcome problems found in particular fruits, such as the removal of seed pockets in apples and the pits in others. By helping in the removal of these issues, processors can provide a higher quality, smoother drink to consumers.
Using steam peeling to remove the skin, and to create a smooth consistent surface around the outer surface and inner core, means that high volumes of fruits can be processed to a very high quality and with reduced waste. These high quality peeled fruits form the basis of the concentrate and puree that can be used in many applications.
In recent years, TOMRA Sorting Food has worked closely with leading fruit processing companies in Europe and Asia to evaluate their steam peeling processes for use in high volume fruit processing lines. The companies’ system enables processors to peel quickly and efficiently, so that the heat absorption of the fruit is significantly lower, in turn protecting it and making for a superior product.
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