Food and drink news in brief

The latest news from across the global food and drink sector

latest news

ERDINGER Weissbräu launches second phase of media campaign with brand ambassador Jürgen Klopp

ERDINGER Weissbräu, the largest family-owned wheat beer brewery, has unveiled the latest phase of its ‘never skim an ERDINGER’ campaign featuring brand ambassador, Jürgen Klopp. Announcing details of the new campaign, Wolfgang Kuffner, ERDINGER Weissbräu Marketing Director, explained: “Jürgen Klopp personifies the pursuit of excellence that we strive for in every ERDINGER Weissbräu beer. “ERDINGER beers are brewed with only natural ingredients in accordance with the Bavarian Purity Law and using the ‘Bayerische Edelreifung‘, or double maturity, method. With this process, we add our unique brewing yeast to the beer after fermentation and allow it to mature a second time in the bottle or keg, for up to three weeks. This gives extra time for the flavour of the beer to develop and the aromas to fully unfold.”

The campaign has been developed to increase awareness of the quality attributes of ERDINGER beers and drive demand in the UK on-trade. It is expected to encourage more people to explore the characteristics and taste provided by ERDINGER’s unique yeast and increase sales. Since the launch of the original campaign in Spring 2020, ERDINGER has recorded year on year improvements in distribution and rate of sale and is the number 1 imported wheat beer across all channels in the UK. “By harnessing Jürgen’s enthusiasm for quality and passion for life, which mirrors our own attitude, the advice given in this campaign will help drinkers get the most enjoyment possible from drinking their ERDINGER Weissbier,” added Mr Kuffner. ERDINGER is the UK’s No 1 imported wheat beer with the brand portfolio, headed by ERDINGER Weissbier, also including Dunkel, Pikantus, Alkoholfrei and Alkoholfrei Grapefruit. ERDINGER Weissbräu beers are distributed in the UK by Carlsberg-Marston’s Brewing Company Ltd.

Send your latest news to: media@insidefoodanddrink.com

Tetra Pak to help restore biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change

World leading food processing and packaging solutions Tetra Pak is launching a pioneering land restoration initiative called The Araucaria Conservation Programme in Brazil, marking the industry’s first nature-based restoration project. The ambition is to generate positive environmental, economic and social benefits for local communities and restore and protect biodiversity in the region.

Developed in collaboration with Apremavi, a Brazilian NGO specialising in conservation and restoration projects since 1987, the initiative is set to restore at least 7,000 hectares over a period of ten years of the Atlantic Forest, one of the richest biomes and the second most endangered in the world.

Originally, this rainforest covered 17 Brazilian states, but today only 12% of its original area is preserved, putting thousands of species that do not exist elsewhere at risk. The Araucaria Conservation Programme will target an area of particular risk, the Forest of Araucarias, which today only has 3% of its original area preserved.

Julian Fox, Director Nature Programs, Tetra Pak, commented: “This initiative is our response to the United Nations challenge to make this the decade of ecosystem restoration. We are thrilled to be a lead partner of such a pioneering project, connecting a range of stakeholders and merging environmental restoration with carbon capture analysis to help mitigate climate change and recover biodiversity.”

In addition to a pilot restoring 80 hectares, the project’s first year will focus on mapping potential areas for restoration. After the validation of this initial phase, the model will be replicated on other rural properties over ten years across the Atlantic Forest, which bridges the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná.

Tetra Pak will also certify a much broader territory under international voluntary carbon and biodiversity standards. The certification will measure carbon sequestration, meaning the project will play a key role in Tetra Pak’s commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in its operations by 2030. The aim is for this territory to reach up to 13.7 million hectares – an area the size of England – and encourage other organisations to join the initiative.

Miriam Prochnow, Counselor and co-founder of Apremavi, added: “Among the proposed methodologies are the planting of native seedlings, the ecological enrichment of secondary forests and natural regeneration. In the long run, the restored areas will be integrated into ecological corridors, contributing to reducing pressure on endangered animals such as the purple-breasted parrot and the pampas deer. These actions are fundamental for the protection of biodiversity, the restoration of soil quality and the maintenance of water availability in the region.”

The project will also help bring social and economic benefits to the area in the medium/long term, with hundreds of farmers and landowners having support to ensure their properties benefit from environmental legislation.

Incentives are also in place to encourage landowners to become allies of the preservation of these areas in the long term. For example, farmers will be given the opportunity to diversify their income through the Payment for Environmental Services Programme, meaning they will be remunerated for land they restore linked to carbon credits, which is unprecedented in the country.

In addition to Apremavi, the initiative’s strategic partners include Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Brazil. Klabin, a leader in paper production for packaging in Brazil and a supplier for Tetra Pak, is also participating.

Mr Fox concluded: “This multi-faceted project demonstrates the complexity of addressing the climate challenge and how vital it is that stakeholders from across the value chain work together. We’re proud to be joining forces with industry experts to bring to life this industry-first nature-based initiative.”

The latest news from across the global food and drink sector

latest news

Tate & Lyle acquires Nutriati, a developer and producer of plant-based protein

Tate & Lyle PLC, a leading global provider of food and beverage ingredients and solutions, has purchased Nutriati, an ingredient technology company developing and producing chickpea protein and flour. Under the terms of the transaction, Tate & Lyle has acquired certain assets, including intellectual property assets, and assumed selected liabilities from Nutriati. Nutriati’s responsibly-produced chickpea ingredients have been providing customers with highly nutritious plant-based solutions since 2018, offering a superior, premium taste and mouthfeel experience. Both the Artesa® Chickpea Protein and Artesa® Chickpea Flour can be found in leading non-dairy, plant-based meat and gluten free brands, mainly in North America. This transaction builds on the distribution agreement previously signed between the two companies.

Nick Hampton, Chief Executive of Tate & Lyle, said: “Tate & Lyle is committed to breakthrough, innovative and sustainable plant-based solutions. This acquisition complements our existing ingredient portfolio perfectly and supports our purpose pillars of supporting healthy living and caring for our planet. We look forward to fully maximising the strong functional benefits of these plant-based, chickpea derived products and offering an even wider range of fortification solutions to our customers.” Michael Todd, Chief Executive of Nutriati, commented: “Since establishing Nutriati, we have worked to solve taste, nutrition, functionality and sustainability challenges for the plant-based and gluten free markets. With a global reach and strong focus on health and wellbeing, Tate & Lyle is very well positioned to develop this offering and I wish them all the best for the future.”

Robertet acquires Omega Ingredients

French-based sustainable natural raw materials supplier Robertet has acquired UK natural flavours and ingredients specialist Omega Ingredients.

According to Robertet, the investment reaffirms the group’s determination to strengthen its leadership in natural flavour solutions by reinforcing its presence in the UK market. It will also create new synergies within the group to better address new emerging customers clearly identified for future growth.

Omega Ingredients will benefit from Robertet’s expertise and creativity in naturals, to enhance all the values that made Omega so unique and successful.

“We are proud to welcome Omega Ingredients into the Robertet family,” said Olivier Maubert, Head of Flavour and Health & Beauty Divisions, Robertet. “We share the same passion for natural products with a common concern for the future of the planet. Omega will add their unique approach complementing the creativity of Robertet. We are impressed by the motivation and dedication of their team, very aligned with the original values of Robertet.”

Mr Maubert added: “This acquisition will help consolidate our leadership in natural flavours and strengthen the group’s position in the UK and in other markets where Omega has a good presence.”

Robertet is the worlds largest source of natural, sustainable and organic ingredients to the fine fragrance industry, cultivating, processing and integrating more than 1,400 natural ingredients from 60 countries.

Omega Ingredients was established in 2001 in the UK, focusing on the creation of the highest quality, provenance driven, natural flavours and ingredients for the food and beverage industry. Renowned worldwide for delivering innovative, cutting-edge biochemistry through the use of all-natural materials, Omega Ingredients has developed a stellar network of suppliers and partners to ensure the highest quality ingredients possible.

Steve Pearce, founder and CEO, Omega Ingredients, commented: “Omega Ingredients is excited to begin the next chapter of its history as part of the Robertet Group. We share the same passion for naturals and products of excellence, the same vision with our CSR policies and of a strongly integrated sourcing of natural flavours and extracts. We are looking forward to contributing to Robertet’s vision and growth.”

Send your latest news to: media@insidefoodanddrink.com

Hip Pop expands range of gut health drinks with launch of Apple Cider Vinegar Soda

Fast-growing functional drinks brand, Hip Pop, has launched the first in its new range of Apple Cider Vinegar Sodas.

Initially available in Ginger, Turmeric and Black Pepper flavour, with an additional Peach and Mango flavour to be launched in May 2022, the new Apple Cider Vinegar Soda offers consumers a low-sugar gut health drink, rich in prebiotics and probiotics.

With each 330ml can containing less than 30 calories and a full tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar, proven to help improve digestion and boost immunity, Hip Pop’s new Apple Cider Vinegar Soda range is forecast to quickly dominate the UK gut health drinks market and is set to be listed by several retailers within the coming months.

The Apple Cider Vinegar Soda follows the recent launch of Hip Pop’s CBD infused kombucha, which contains all the benefits of the brand’s original kombucha, with the added bonus of 100% plant-based CBD.

Originally launched in 2019 as ‘Booch & Brew’ by friends Emma Thackray and Kenny Goodman, Hip Pop has gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months, having also secured listings with health store and prestigious retailer, Harrods.

Discussing the new product launch, Emma Thackray said: “Although Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) based products are heavily consumed in the States, there is less awareness around the health benefits of ACV in the UK.

“We are, therefore, incredibly excited to expand the Hip Pop range with the launch of our first Apple Cider Vinegar Soda flavours and hope that our customers – old and new – enjoy it as much as we do.”

Headquartered in Cheshire, Hip Pop is committed to brewing ‘gut lovin’ drinks’ that taste good, do good and look good. Having doubled its headcount over the last 12 months, the brand has been recognised for its superior brewing quality by multiple industry awards, including two stars at the Great Taste Awards.

The latest news from across the global food and drink sector

latest news

Swedish coffee company Löfbergs outlines Eastern European business growth

Swedish-based coffee roaster Löfbergs has created a new business area for sales in Eastern Europe. Kent Pettersson, CEO of Löfbergs in Finland, will lead the new business area to spread the Swedish fika culture to even more people.

“We have great potential to grow in this part of Europe. The task includes securing a continuous growth in Finland and the Baltic region as well as finding developing possibilities in new markets,” said Anders Fredriksson, CEO at Löfbergs.

The new business area will be led by Kent Pettersson, who has worked at Löfbergs since 2009. He has been Sales Director for retail in Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic region. In 2020, he was appointed CEO of Löfbergs in Finland, an assignment he will manage in parallel with his new tasks.

“We are still a challenger in many markets, where we stand out as a Swedish family-owned company. We have successfully managed this in Finland, where we have seen a huge growth the last years. Now, we will try to do the same in more markets,” said Kent Pettersson, Chief Commercial Officer, Market East, Löfbergs.

Löfbergs was founded in 1906 in Karlstad, Sweden, and is now one of the largest family-owned coffee roasters in the Nordic countries. The company started exporting coffee in 1993, and every second cup is sold outside of Sweden today.

Over the past years, Finland has emerged as Löfbergs’s third largest market. Together with the Baltic region, it accounts for 17% of the coffee roaster’s sales. Löfbergs is now aiming to strengthen its position in neighbouring markets.

“Löfbergs is a strong brand even outside of Sweden, and we will benefit from that. Poland is an interesting market that we have a great opportunity to enter. It would mean a lot for our business if we managed to lay our hands on some market shares here,” said Mr Pettersson.

In connection with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Löfbergs stopped all export to Russia and Belarus, and terminated all agreements with Russian and Belarusian participation in other countries. The company said the decision is of indefinite duration.

Anders Fredriksson, CEO at Löfbergs

iF & D

inside(( FOOD&DRINK

www.insidefoodanddrink.com

Feed us news

Send us your latest product launch, innovation or opinion piece to get involved.

media@insidefoodanddrink.com