SternVitamin, a global supplier of micronutrient premixes, is celebrating 20 years of innovation, expertise, and impact in food fortification with micronutrient premix solutions. To highlight this anniversary, SternVitamin presented a new longevity premix at Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona.

Over the past twenty years, SternVitamin has built a strong technical expertise combined with in-depth market, trend, and consumer insights. This, together with its customer-centered approach, positions the company as an experienced and reliable partner in the food fortification industry.

SternVita Longevity for slower aging and a longer life

At Vitafoods Europe 2026, SternVitamin introduced its anniversary premix: SternVita Longevity, a science-based premix developed in response to the growing longevity trend. The formulation is intended for use in products targeting adults aged 25 and above. It features a grapefruit-yuzu flavour developed by OlbrichtArom and combines selected micronutrients and other ingredients aligned with the three longevity pillars: cellular vitality, physical resilience, and cognitive well-being.

Cellular vitality: A synergistic blend of B vitamins, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid supports efficient energy metabolism and cellular function. Vitamin C and selenium provide antioxidant protection against oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 contributes to energy production and helps sustain cellular vitality. Together, these nutrients lay the foundation for cellular longevity.

Physical resilience: Vitamins D3and K2, together with calcium and magnesium, help maintain strong bones and normal muscle function. At the same time, vitamin C supports immune health, while performance-oriented ingredients such as taurine contribute to physical strength and cardiovascular function, helping the body stay active and resilient.

Cognitive well-being: Key nutrients, including vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, support normal psychological and nervous system function, while magnesium helps reduce fatigue. Green tea extract provides antioxidants that support cognitive performance. Coenzyme Q10 and taurine contribute to brain energy metabolism and neurological balance, promoting overall balance and well-being.

The SternVita Longevity premix follows the “Active Years — Daily Formula” concept, offering one premix with only one daily serving. This simplifies routine adherence and provides a convenient, time-efficient way for customers to consistently meet their nutritional needs without consuming a variety of products for multiple purposes.

Freshfel Europe convenes its Annual General Meeting in Sicily on 15–16 April, bringing together over 100 leading figures from across the European and international fresh produce sector. This year’s gathering marks a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the association’s annual event, celebrating a quarter century of service to the fruit and vegetable industry. It is also the conclusion of the mandate of Salvo Laudani (Fruitimprese/Oranfrizer) as President of the Association.

Hosted by outgoing President Salvo Laudani, the Freshfel Europe annual event is moving to Sicily to celebrate the conclusion of his four-year presidency, capping a much longer period of dedicated engagement within the association. Welcoming participants to his home region, Mr. Laudani described the occasion as “a special edition” of the Annual General Assembly, reflecting both the sector’s achievements and the challenges it continues to face. Over the past years, the industry has navigated a complex landscape shaped by climate pressures, the global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical instability.

The annual event is also marking 25 years of Freshfel Europe servicing the fresh produce sector at the European level and beyond. Over the past quarter century, Freshfel Europe has built a strong reputation as the unified voice of the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, promoting collaboration across stakeholders and advocating for the sector at European and global levels. The Association has conducted advocacy on the European regulatory environment for the sector and guided the industry in an evolving landscape. Despite these challenges, the fresh produce sector has demonstrated a strong capacity of adaptation and leadership, positioning itself as part of the solution to major societal concerns. Fruits and vegetables remain central to both public health and environmental sustainability, offering high nutritional value with a relatively low ecological footprint.

“As I come to the end of my mandate, I do so with deep gratitude” said Mr. Laudani. “It has been a true honour to serve a sector that is vital not only to Europe’s economy, but to the well-being of its citizens and the planet.” He added: “Celebrating this milestone, we must also raise the strength of our collective voice. Fruits and vegetables are uniquely positioned at the intersection of health and sustainability. Their contribution must be recognised more clearly in policy, markets, and by consumers alike.”

The anniversary provides an opportunity not only to reflect on achievements but also to look ahead. Freshfel Europe will present a forward-looking manifesto developed by its Board, outlining priorities and ambitions for the next five years. The roadmap aims to strengthen advocacy efforts, enhance the sector’s visibility, and ensure that fresh produce is fully recognised in shaping future European policies.

The two-day event will also mark the transition to new leadership, with Mr. Laudani expressing confidence in the incoming team’s ability to build on the association’s achievements and guide the sector forward.“It has been a privilege to serve this remarkable sector,” he concluded. “I leave with pride in what we have accomplished together, and with optimism for what lies ahead”.

Beloved soda brand celebrates milestone with worldwide events, sweepstakes, and limited-edition releases

Commemorating 75 years of tradition, culture, and quintessential flavours, Jarritos, the authentic Mexican soda brand known for its refreshing and bold taste, is celebrating the way it does best – boldly, colourfully, and with a lot of corazón. To mark this milestone, Jarritos is launching a worldwide anniversary celebration, featuring a specialty sweepstakes, pop-up events in major cities around the globe, vintage-inspired packaging, and more.

From its humble beginnings in 1950s Mexico to worldwide acclaim, Jarritos has grown from a soda underdog into a cultural icon, transcending generations and borders with its signature bottles and distinct fruit-forward flavours. Expanding its offerings to include innovations like Jarritos Zero and Jarriboba, as well as extending its cultural impact through collaborations with renowned brands including Nike, Wolverine, Native, Marine Layer, and Abercrombie, Jarritos continues to evolve and build meaningful connections, one bottle at a time.

To honor its rich history and the communities that have supported it along the way, Jarritos is celebrating authenticity, culture, and flavour, while showing deep appreciation for its fans around the world.

75th anniversary sweepstakes

As a thank-you to fans, Jarritos will be hosting a weekly giveaway starting in September, offering special prizes that celebrate the brand’s heritage and vibrant culture. Winners will have the chance to receive authentic Mexican art pieces sourced from different regions of the country, limited-edition collaboration items such as the coveted Jarritos x Nike SB Shoes and Jarritos x Wolverine Boots, custom Jarritos mini fridges, and even a one-year supply of Jarritos and Jarritos Zero. Additional prizes include exclusive merchandise, gift cards, and other unique items that highlight the spirit and authenticity of the beloved soda brand.

Global pop-up events

Jarritos is bringing the fiesta to major cities around the globe, including Madrid, London, Sydney, Toronto, Dubai, Paris, Berlin, Puebla, and more. Highlights include a riverboat mariachi performance in Paris, a one-of-a-kind, immersive pop-up in Toronto, featuring interactive installations, product sampling, and exclusive merch, as well as a nationwide giveaway across Canada restaurants, where the first 75 customers at select locations will receive a free Jarritos.

Vintage-inspired packaging

Jarritos is honoring its roots with millions of family-size bottles featuring retro label designs, along with 500,000 commemorative soda packs that include $ 75 in savings, adding up to millions of dollars in potential coupon value for fans.

The Authentic Story of Jarritos

To commemorate its legacy, Jarritos is releasing a never-before-seen editorial piece developed in collaboration with the Latino history and origins platform Nuestro Stories, The Authentic Story of Jarritos. Chronicling the brand’s journey, this editorial feature celebrates the legacy of its founders, provides fans with an inside look into the brand’s journey, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from those who helped shape its success.

To join in on the celebration and learn more about Jarritos, visit https://jarritos.com/. To enter the 75th anniversary sweepstakes, visit here.

On August 28, 1898 in New Bern, North Carolina, pharmacist Caleb Bradham renamed “Brad’s Drink,” his popular non-alcoholic digestif, “Pepsi-Cola.” 125 years later, Pepsi has become one of the world’s most recognisable brands and today, it officially ushers in its next era while honoring its storied legacy, as the brand’s new logo begins to roll out in stores in the US.

In honor of its 125th birthday, Pepsi will celebrate its iconic history where it has lived at the center of pop culture – in sports, music, and entertainment – and look ahead to the brand’s next 125 years. On August 28 the brand started the party by offering free Pepsi to everyone across the US, and over the course of the 125 days leading up to New Year’s Eve, the brand will launch 125 various types of programming including immersive events, social content moments and giveaways. Each touchpoint and its corresponding programming will revisit and reimagine the impactful and culture-driving moments fans have cherished throughout the brand’s rich history just as the new Pepsi logo, which pays homage to past brand looks, comes to life for consumers wherever they shop, dine, play and scroll, ushering in the next era of culture-defining moments.

125 years of trailblazing

Pepsi has been and continues to be a driver of cultural impact and relevance for 125 years. From having the only female professional skywriter draw Pepsi in the clouds to creating iconic moments with some of the biggest pop stars on the planet to making the Super Bowl Halftime Show the most watched 12 minutes of music; from initiating the now iconic ‘Pepsi Challenge’ to trailblazing the idea of lifestyle marketing with music videos as commercials; from creating flavours like Pepsi Wild Cherry and groundbreaking innovations like Nitro Pepsi, time and again Pepsi has found itself on the cutting edge of pop culture, embracing what fans love about culture. And now, Pepsi will pull back the curtain on its history for 125 days, complete with an immersive experience consumers will have to see – and taste – to believe.

In June, the Swiss packaging solution provider SIG marked another milestone in its long history – 170 years of operation. Founded in 1853 and headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, the company took the opportunity to look back on its impressive history of ingenuity and innovation, visit its present, and explore the exciting potential the future holds. Moreover, the event enabled customers and employees to experience firsthand what SIG stands for today and will stand for tomorrow: SIG – for better.

The first celebratory event on June 17^th centered on residents from Neuhausen’s local community, who were invited to SIG’s industrial area and headquarters to explore the facility and enjoy a food festival.

On June 20th, customers from all over the world participated in an exclusive event that included a tour through the ages from SIG’s perspective and a celebratory dinner. The final event occurred two days later on June 22nd when SIG leaders arrived for an intensive two-day leadership meeting.

Samuel Sigrist, CEO, SIG: “Being in operation for 170 years is something to celebrate and it was an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the spirit of SIG to our global customers and employees. The events reinforced the fact that while SIG has evolved over time, one aspect of our company has always remained the same, our commitment to delivering better for customers, consumers, and the world.”

Today, SIG is a leading provider of sustainable, innovative, and versatile packaging solutions. The company works in partnership with customers to bring food products to consumers globally in a safe, sustainable, and affordable way. In 1906 its long journey in food packaging began with packaging chocolates.

The first beverage carton and filling machine was launched in Europe in 1930, while it was not until 1955 that Scholle, now part of SIG, invented the revolutionary bag-in-box format that transformed distribution of liquid storage.

In 1975, beverage carton provider PKL introduced its combibloc aseptic packaging and filling system. SIG acquired PKL in 1989, creating a pathway for growth in aseptic packaging. At the beginning of this century, SIG decided to focus entirely on its packaging business and has since become one of the industry’s lead players. Joining forces with Scholle IPN and Evergreen Asia in 2022 extended its range to now include fresh and aseptic carton, bag-in-box, and spouted pouches.

SIG today is a leading sustainable packaging solutions provider and the world’s only system supplier covering carton, spouted pouch, and bag-in-box. The company’s versatile technology and capacity for product innovation means customers benefit from a wide range of solutions across categories and channels, which address consumer, market, and planet needs with responsibility, flexibility, speed, and affordability.

The company is committed to working towards net positivity and has split its sustainability initiatives into four core areas: Climate+, Forest+, Resource+, and Food+. To date, this commitment has seen SIG leading its industry in responsible sourcing and sustainable innovations.

All this reflects the spirit of SIG’s brand promise, “For better”. The phrase inspires its innovation of sustainable solutions and pioneering technology, all to transform its customers’ businesses and the world for better.

This summer, leading branded soft drinks business Britvic is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its Rugby factory, thanking colleagues for their dedicated service and showcasing the investment and innovation that has become synonymous with the company’s flagship facility.

Based on Glebe Farm Industrial Estate, the site has seen over £125 million of investment since 2018, with the factory most recently benefitting from a £27 million investment in a new state-of-the-art canning line in September 2021.

This is Rugby’s fourth canning line, growing the site’s total capacity by around 20% and creating 20 new jobs at the facility.

Boasting some of the fastest lines in Europe, the site’s new canning line operates at a rate of around 120,000 cans per hour, taking the factory’s total production to an impressive rate of just under half a million cans per hour.

Rugby MP Mark Pawsey said: “Britvic’s 35 years in Rugby represent a great success both for the company and for our town’s local economy.

“Over those years, their flagship factory has grown and created hundreds of jobs, including a vibrant apprenticeships programme which has given many young people a first taste of work.

“I was delighted to see the further investment in their fourth canning line which demonstrates their commitment to the Rugby site for many years to come.”

The investment provided Britvic with the additional capacity to drive agility and exemplary customer service, as well as boost production of some of the country’s most loved brands, including Tango, 7UP and Pepsi MAX.

Importantly, investment has seen the work force increase at the site, helping to bring the total number of employees to more than 340 and reinforcing Britvic’s commitment to the local community.

These roles span numerous disciplines, from engineering to manufacturing, with apprenticeships also a key component of the additional rise in employee numbers.
Paramjeet Pahdi, Director of Operations at Rugby, said: “As we celebrate 35 years of our Rugby site, I’m proud to look back at the journey we’ve been on together to make this facility the beacon of success it is today.

“I would like to thank all our colleagues for their contribution over the decades, without their hard work and dedication I have no doubt that we would not be here celebrating such a milestone.

“Looking to the future, Britvic is focused on ensuring that Rugby continues its success story as we develop the site with further investment, securing our future for generations to come.”

Over the past 35 years, Rugby has become well known for showcasing some of the fastest and best manufacturing technology in Europe.

The Rugby factory has also played a key role in Britvic’s sustainability efforts.
Continuous improvements have seen the factory cut the amount of water it uses – most recently by using the cooling water from its combined heat and powerplant as a source of hot water for the site – helping Britvic work towards its net zero carbon emissions target.

Celebrations for the 35 year anniversary began in May with a family fun day attracting more than 500 people to the site.

Employees and their families enjoyed the day with a resident DJ, fairground rides, a penalty shoot out, mini golf and a Britvic bar.

Celebrating 30 years of growth in Turkey, Firmenich is proud to announce its new and expanded facility in Istanbul, strategically located to serve the dynamic Turkish market, as well as Europe and the Middle-East. With state-of-the-art laboratories for enhanced creativity and fast speed-to-market, this facility is designed according to the WELL Building Standard™, the global benchmark for employee wellbeing in the workplace.

“Following three decades of solid growth in Turkey, this strategic investment reinforces Firmenich’s commitment to this dynamic market,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO, Firmenich. “With this new creative center in Istanbul, we are set up to deliver winning scent and taste innovation to our customers with greater speed-to-market.”

“Today’s opening is in line with our ambitious growth plans in Turkey and beyond”, said Dilek Arvas, Director & General Manager, Firmenich Turkey. “With our people at the heart of everything we do, we designed this new facility with our colleagues’ wellbeing top of mind, to offer an optimal working and creative environment where everyone can thrive.”

Building on its unique legacy of responsible business, Firmenich operates an inclusive capitalism business model based on delivering positive value for all its stakeholders, including people, planet and society. Putting people first, Firmenich is one of only seven companies worldwide, and the first ever in Turkey, to be globally certified as a gender equal employer by EDGE, the gold standard for workplace equality.

Another key pillar of its inclusive capitalism business model is the Group’s commitment to preserving the planet, by leading the most traceable, ethical and sustainable value chain for its natural ingredients. For instance in Turkey, Firmenich works hand-in-hand with producers in the Isparta region, in mid-Anatolia, to harvest Turkish Roses, known for their beauty and delicacy, in the most sustainable way possible.

When it comes to society, as leaders in the Science of Taste, Firmenich plays a key role in addressing today’s malnutrition crisis, by making healthier food and drink options taste delicious for all. For example, its latest technology TastePRINT™ can reduce up to 100% of added sugar naturally without compromising on taste. Last year alone it removed 150 metric tons of sugar from products that people love, removing 600 billion calories from their diets.