< PreviousCarlsberg Britvic invests £20m in new canning line at Rugby factory Carlsberg Britvic is investing £20m in a new soft drinks canning line and building extension at its Rugby factory, creating more than 30 new jobs and bringing total investment in the site over the past five years to more than £60m. The new line will significantly increase production capacity, taking the factory’s total number of canning lines up to 10 and allowing Carlsberg Britvic to go from producing 560,000 canned soft drinks an hour to 610,000. Located on the Glebe Farm Industrial Estate, the new line will create 34 new jobs in engineering and manufacturing. The total number of employees at the site will increase to more than 430 people. Nigel Paine, VP of production at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “This investment underscores our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in our supply chain. By expanding our production capacity, we can meet the growing demand for our popular brands, create more jobs, and enhance our operational efficiency.” Foreverland scales chocolate alternatives with new production facility Foreverland, the Italian food ingredients company innovating next-generation chocolate alternatives, has opened its first production facility in Puglia, Southern Italy. The facility will produce over 500 tonnes of Choruba, the company’s flagship ingredient, per year. Choruba has applications across a wide range of products and is designed to help food manufacturers navigate the current cocoa market challenges and achieve sustainability commitments. The facility marks a significant step in Foreverland’s growth strategy. It provides the company with the capability to run industrial trials with larger clients, secure small and medium-sized business customers, and deliver a steady, scalable supply of cocoa-free chocolate alternatives. A dedicated pilot fermentation room sits alongside the facility, enabling the team to test and refine processing steps flexibly, while protecting know-how and validating unit economics. Alongside unveiling the new plant, Foreverland has also announced a new partnership in food retail, the company’s fourth to date. Teaming up with Italian protein innovators Small Giants, the duo launched Choruba Protein Bites – peanut butter and chocolate flavoured snacks, produced using Small Giants’ yeast-based protein and coated with Foreverland’s cocoa-free chocolate alternative, Choruba. The vegan, high-protein, sustainable snacks are available to purchase online and in-store across the Gulliver supermarket chain. “The launch of our Puglia facility marks the moment Foreverland moves from pilot projects to full-scale production,” said Massimo Sabatini, co-founder and CEO of Foreverland. “The new plant allows us to work hand in hand with manufacturers, speed up recipe development, and bring sustainable chocolate alternatives into everyday products across Europe – all while ensuring we can meet demand at accessible price points. Our partnership with Small Giants is a strong example of this next phase, showing how sustainable chocolate alternatives are ready for the mainstream.” 10 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line Lamb Weston opens new production facility in Argentina Lamb Weston, a global supplier of frozen potato products, has opened a 40,000 sq m production facility in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The opening marks the completion of a multi-year project to build a state-of-the-art facility to serve customers’ needs for premium potato products in the growing Latin America market. The facility has the capacity to process 200 million pounds of potatoes per year, producing more than 100 varieties of frozen potato products. The facility is now fully operational and completed its first shipments to Brazil. In total, approximately 80% of product will be exported to Brazil and other Latin America markets, capitalizing on the strategic location of the Mar del Plata port. “We’re excited to reach this important company milestone as the Mar del Plata, Argentina plant will be a key strategic asset in meeting customers’ needs and expanding our business in Latin America,” said Mike Smith, president and CEO. “This grand opening marks the completion of our quest to build out a modern, state-of-the-art facility, setting new standards for quality, efficiency and sustainability, custom-made to meet customers’ requirements.” Arla Lockerbie marks 50 years with over £144m investment Arla Foods is marking 50 years of cheese-making at Lockerbie in Scotland with a multi-year investment programme of more than £144m. Since its opening in 1975, Arla Lockerbie has grown into one of the UK’s largest cheese-making facilities. Arla has recently invested £34m to upgrade its cheddar facilities and will now expand the site with a Centre of Excellence for the production of UHT and lacto free milk in the UK. Arla’s Lockerbie site today takes in over 600 million litres of milk every year, producing around 200 million litres of fresh bottled milk and 42,000 tonnes of cheese. Fran Ball, SVP of UK Supply Chain at Arla Foods, said: “This is a landmark moment for Lockerbie. As we celebrate 50 years of production, we’re also unlocking the site’s next era with significant investment to power future growth. “This month we’ve already delivered major technology upgrades as part of our £34 million enhancement of cheddar production, and we’re thrilled to confirm the start of construction for the new Centre of Excellence for UHT and LactoFREE milk at Lockerbie.” © Arla Foods © Lamb Weston © Carlsberg Britvic Foreverland chocolate productionSqueaky Bean enters hot pie category Squeaky Bean, famous for its ready-to-eat meat alternatives, is expanding into the hot pie category with its first ever plant-based pie range in two delicious recipes: the Squeaky Bean Braised Veggie Pie and Squeaky Bean Spanish Chorizo Style Pie. The first-to-market pies feature fermented vegetables, launched in response to growing demand for whole foods among health-conscious consumers, with 41% of plant-based shoppers citing natural ingredients as a key purchase driver. Fermentation is used to unlock rich, savoury flavours from the vegetables, delivering the kind of umami depth typically associated with meat, but using only real veg. Squeaky Bean Braised Veggie Pie and Squeaky Bean Spanish Chorizo Style Pie (209g, £3.75 RRP) will be available in Tesco. The new range also features bold, eye-catching packaging, designed with a deep colour palette that reflects the richness and depth of the pies themselves, and provides strong stand-out on shelves. The launch will be supported by a social media campaign, influencer collaborations, and in-store tasting activations, helping to drive awareness, engagement and trial among both loyal fans and new consumers. The Glenlivet launches 12 Year Old Jamaica Edition, Treasure Beach The Glenlivet, the definitive Speyside single malt, has launched The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Jamaica Edition, Treasure Beach. This is the first release in the ‘Beyond Speyside’ series, which captures the essence of distinctive destinations around the world. This innovative expression combines the signature smoothness of The Glenlivet with the vibrant, sun-soaked flavours of Jamaica, offering whisky enthusiasts a unique and adventurous tasting experience. Inspired by Treasure Beach, a hidden gem on Jamaica’s south coast, this 12 Year Old single malt scotch whisky is selectively finished in casks that previously held Jamaica Rum, imparting tropical flavour notes of coconut, juicy pineapple, and velvety caramel for a fruity and smooth finish. These qualities authentically encapsulate the vibrancy and warmth of Jamaica’s beautiful coastline, creating a truly distinctive whisky experience. The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Jamaica Edition, Treasure Beach, is presented in a bold and modern bottle and carton design that reflects the vibrant spirit of Jamaica. The release will be available exclusively in the US at select retailers for a retail price of $54.99. on the shelf Food & Drink International 11 www.fdiforum.net unearthed launches new authentic Croque Monsieur and Croque Fromage Mediterranean deli brand unearthed has introduced two authentic French favourites to the chilled aisle: the Croque Monsieur and Croque Fromage. These premium, ready-to-cook sandwiches are crafted in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France and are a market first for the fixture, tapping into the consumer appetite for a premium sandwich in convenience. unearthed Croque Monsieur and unearthed Croque Fromage (140g, RRP £3) are available now in Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores. Both sandwiches are oozing with Emmental and raclette cheese, topped with rich, traditional bechamel sauce. The Croque Monsieur also includes sliced French ham. Its these authentic French ingredients, crafted in the home of the Croque Monsieur, which will attract premium consumers looking to trade up. Quick and convenient to prepare, the Croques can be air-fried in eight minutes or oven baked in up to ten minutes, making them an ideal lunch or snack option. Carrie Hollis-Patel, head of unearthed marketing at The Compleat Food Group, said: “Our research shows a clear gap in the market for premium, convenient sandwich products to be enjoyed at home, beyond those available in food-to-go. Consumers know that venturing into the deli fixture often means discovering elevated quality and flavour. French cuisine by association is a synonym for premium, so the Croque Monsieur and Croque Fromage’s traditional, authentic French ingredients and production methods are well placed to meet this demand.” The launch is supported by standout POS material for in-store visibility, and a targeted social and influencer campaign. As a beacon brand in Mediterranean deli, the POS material strengthens unearthed’s position in med deli by inspiring discovery and educating consumers on authentic flavours. Gordon’s makes everyday bubbly celebrations pop with launch of new Gordon’s Spritz Edition Gordon’s, the world’s No.1 international gin, is launching Gordon’s Spritz Edition, an alcoholic drink made with Gin, Elderflower, Lime and other natural flavourings and colourings. Rooted in everyday bubbly celebrations, the new liquid is designed to elevate any get together with a lively fusion of deliciously fruity flavours and bubbly fun. With the spritz cocktail surging in demand globally, Gordon’s Spritz Edition gives fans an effortlessly simple way to make their favourite cocktail at home in just two simple steps. Available in two vibrant flavours – Strawberry & Passionfruit and Lime & Elderflower – the new innovation transforms a glass of bubbles into a delicious spritz, reimagining how Gordon’s can be enjoyed. Simply pour two parts prosecco (100ml) into a flute glass with one part Gordon’s Spritz Edition (50ml) to create the perfect serve. With 64% of on-trade cocktail drinkers now consuming cocktails at home, yet the perceived effort required to make them remaining a barrier, Gordon’s Spritz Edition unlocks a refreshingly fun and effortlessly simple serve with no complex cocktail or bar skills needed.12 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net TAJ FOODS Q&A Could you tell us a little about Taj Foods and its journey to becoming the UK & Europe’s leading ethnic frozen food brand? Taj Foods’ story is one of heritage, authenticity, and vision. Established in 1980, the business began by supplying frozen cassava and green protein ingredients to meet the needs of first-generation communities seeking authentic tastes from home. As demand grew, Taj Foods expanded into herbs, frozen snacks and traditional breads, quickly becoming a trusted name in world foods. A defining moment came when Taj Foods became the first ethnic frozen food supplier to major supermarkets in the UK and Europe. From Tesco and Sainsbury’s to ASDA and Morrisons, Taj pioneered the presence of authentic frozen world foods in mainstream retail. This opened the freezer aisle to new customer groups and laid the foundation for today’s thriving category. Over the decades, this small but ambitious family business grew steadily by staying true to its founding principles: authenticity, quality, and consistency. Buyers came to rely on Taj Foods for a product range that not only met community demand but also delivered guaranteed performance in-store. Today, that pioneering spirit has propelled Taj Foods to become the UK & Europe’s leading ethnic frozen food brand. From frozen staples to innovative ready-to-cook solutions, our range has evolved with the times, but our commitment to delivering the very best of world foods has never wavered. Widely stocked across supermarkets, wholesalers, and independent retailers, Taj Foods has become the partner of choice for trade buyers looking for reliability, credibility, and proven results. How is Taj Foods shaping the future of frozen world foods? As the leading ethnic frozen food brand in the UK & Europe, Taj Foods is setting the pace for the category. Frozen food has shifted from being a convenience back-up to a category driven by authenticity, quality, and innovation. Taj Foods is at the heart of that shift. Our development strategy ensures the range stays relevant to evolving tastes. From traditional ethnic staples to innovative ready- to-eat snacks, Taj’s products resonate with both heritage-driven customers and mainstream shoppers exploring world cuisines. By expanding choice and elevating quality, Taj Foods is redefining what “frozen world foods” means. For trade buyers, this leadership ensures they are stocking a brand with strong recognition and the ability to attract cross-cultural shoppers into the frozen aisle. Backed by global standards and certifications, how are accreditations key to Taj Foods’ reputation as a trusted brand? Trust is everything in frozen food. Being the UK & Europe’s leading ethnic frozen food brand comes with responsibility: buyers and consumers alike must be confident that every product meets the highest benchmarks of safety, quality, and authenticity. Our accreditations—including BRCGS Q&A Taj Foods From frozen to golden Food & Drink International sits down with Jimal Solanki, International Sales Director at Taj Foods, to learn more about the UK & Europe’s leading ethnic frozen food brand and award-winning market leader. Food & Drink International 13 www.fdiforum.net TAJ FOODS Q&A certification, Superior Taste Awards, Great Taste & Vegan and Vegetarian Society Approvals —provide that assurance. These globally recognised standards are more than compliance; they are the foundation of Taj’s trusted status. For wholesalers and retailers, this reduces risk, builds confidence, and ensures that every product aligns with customer expectations. Taj Foods offers integrated trade support to guarantee sell-out performance. Could you tell us more about this? As the market leader, Taj Foods knows that success comes from more than great products—it comes from integrated support. We work closely with retailers and wholesalers to deliver in-store sampling programmes, converting curiosity into trial and trial into repeat purchase. Sampling is proven to boost basket spend and loyalty, helping partners achieve faster rotations. Equally important is our digital reach. Taj Foods has built one of the strongest social media presences in world foods, designed to create demand before stock even arrives. Through teaser campaigns, recipe content, influencer partnerships, and community engagement, we prime customers to seek out Taj by name. Explore our growing digital presence: * Instagram: @tajfoods * TikTok: @tajfoodseu * LinkedIn: Taj Foods Ltd This combined digital-to-store flow means that when buyers stock Taj, they are plugging into a brand with ready-made demand and a marketing engine that ensures sell-through. Taj Foods has secured numerous awards and achievements, recently being recognised at the prestigious Asian Achievers Awards 2025. What does this mean to the business? Recognition at the Asian Achievers Awards 2025 is a landmark moment for Taj Foods and a proud milestone in our journey as the UK & Europe’s leading ethnic frozen food brand. This award reflects not just our commercial success but also our cultural impact, community contribution, and the trust we have built across the food industry. The significance of this recognition is amplified by the company we stood alongside. Sharing the stage with outstanding achievers such as music producer Rishi Rich and global business leader Neeraj Birla highlights the calibre of the platform. To see Taj Foods celebrated in a room filled with influential leaders, innovators, and visionaries underlines not only our market leadership but also the scale of our contribution. For trade partners, it is a powerful endorsement: they are working with a brand that has earned recognition at the very highest levels. Awards like this also resonate strongly with shoppers—when they see Taj Foods celebrated in such a prestigious arena, it builds loyalty and trust, translating into stronger sales, faster rotations, and sustained category growth. Ultimately, this award is both an honour and a responsibility. It validates decades of dedication to quality, authenticity, and innovation, while motivating us to keep raising the bar as we continue to shape the frozen world foods category across the UK and Europe. Conclusion Taj Foods’ position as the UK & Europe’s leading ethnic frozen food brand is built on authenticity, trust, and partnership. Our diverse and innovative product range, backed by global accreditations and supported by both in-store and digital trade strategies, ensures that we deliver guaranteed performance for our buyers. The recognition at the Asian Achievers Awards 2025 reinforces our leadership and credibility, giving both retailers and wholesalers the assurance that when they stock Taj Foods, they are aligning with a brand that drives demand, inspires confidence, and leads the market. For buyers looking to strengthen their frozen category with products that sell and a brand that customers trust, Taj Foods remains the first choice—and the market leader. B3EFDK3@64D736E14 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT The “Kitchen of the World,” Thailand is a food industry powerhouse and major exporter, benefiting from its natural resources and diverse raw materials, rich culinary heritage, strategic location, and a local push to meet global demands and trends. Food & Drink International 15 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT © stock.adobe.com/mehaniq41 A gainst a complex international picture and increasing competition, the Thai government has its sights set on boosting the nation’s food industry, strengthening its position on the global stage as a hub for exports, where in 2024, Thailand stepped up one place to 15th in the world for agricultural exports, according to the country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Thailand’s agricultural and agro-industrial exports totalled US$52.19bn in 2024 — a 5.9% uptick on the previous year — comprising agricultural products worth US$28.83bn, increasing 7.5%, and agro-industrial products worth US$23.36bn, growing 4.1%. Fresh, chilled, frozen and dried fruits, rice, chicken and cassava products were amongst the top agricultural products with the greatest export value, while the most valuable agricultural export markets consisted of China, Japan, the US, Malaysia and Indonesia. Illustrating the country’s leading position, as revealed by the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, 2024 saw Thailand hold the highest export value in the world for many agricultural products, including cassava starch, durian, fresh and dried coconuts, canned pineapple, processed chicken, canned tuna, tapioca-based products, dried/salted/brined/smoked shrimp and crayfish, and fresh/chilled shrimp and crayfish. However, though Thailand’s agricultural and agro-industrial exports in 2024 showed overall growth, figures indicate that some dominant products are now facing decline, including durian, fresh or dried coconut, and fresh/chilled shrimp and crayfish — all of which saw drops in export value. Thailand has additionally started to lose market share in several key agricultural exports for which it held the top global spot in 2023. Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, noted that while export values continue to grow overall, firms in the agricultural sector must work to maintain leadership in the global market, with priorities such as raising product standards to bolster Thailand’s competitiveness, maintaining existing export bases, and seeking new markets to diversify and de-risk over-reliance on countries like China and the US. Thai producers are also being encouraged to promote higher-value products. It comes as Thailand faces increasing competition in its primary markets and for its major exports. Thailand’s role as the primary provider of fresh durian to China, for example, has been put under threat by China’s allowances of the fruit from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, with China’s strictness in testing products entering the country also posing challenges. Concurrently, important rice exports are vulnerable as global and domestic prices fall following a rice surplus, India releases more rice, Vietnam promotes premium ST rice against Thai jasmine, and Thailand faces falling demand from traditional buyers, with Indonesia cutting imports this year due to improved domestic harvests. A stronger baht has added pressure by reducing Thailand’s competitiveness against rivals like Vietnam, India and Pakistan. To help improve conditions, the country’s Department of Foreign Trade announced it would step up promotional efforts to secure orders in the final quarter of 2025, from trade shows to leading delegations of government and private sector representatives to countries such as Japan to strengthen rice trade. US tariffs are additionally set to hit Thailand, though some relief has been felt as a 36% reciprocal tariff has been negotiated down to 19%. It leaves the country at a disadvantage compared to Singapore (with a 10% tariff), Japan and South Korea (15% tariffs), but with an advantage over Vietnam and Taiwan (20% tariff), India (50%), and China (which is seeing fresh threats of 100% tariffs). The negotiation of the tariff comes with significant conditions that will see Thailand open its market to more than 10,000 US products at a 0% tariff, including some agricultural goods, and increase quotas for sensitive agricultural imports. Goods transshipped from other nations will be handed a higher 40% tariff, with strict Rules of Origin requirements preventing Chinese goods being re- exported through Thailand. After front loading prior to tariff implementation in August, exports 16 Á16 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT are anticipated to contract, while the Thai government is preparing comprehensive support measures for affected businesses. As Trump’s tariffs impact countries worldwide, they are also driving nations to accelerate negotiations over Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Thailand itself is progressing an FTA with the EU, for example, with agricultural imports an important negotiation point and a final deal expected to be complete in 2026. It follows Thailand officially signing its first FTA with four European countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein (i.e., the European Free Trade Association), a significant export to which is canned and processed seafood. Thailand also signed an FTA with Bhutan this year, opening a new route for Thai goods in South Asia, with Bhutan immediately eliminating tariffs on nearly all Thai products and food products being key beneficiaries. Trade talks with South Korea and Peru, meanwhile, are hoped to be complete by the end of this year, negotiations are restarting with Pakistan, and Thailand is reaching out to the UK. Earlier in the year this saw a Thai delegation hold a strategic dialogue in London with major UK private sector players and importers. Discussions covered expanded access for Thai food and lifestyle products and reduction of trade barriers, especially for processed chicken. The © stock.adobe.com/cgdeawFood & Drink International 17 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT meeting marks a push to present Thailand as a premium food exporter and investment partner in the post-Brexit UK market. Furthermore, steps forward have been made to enhance Thailand’s relationship with China, with an agreement to open five new import-export checkpoints under the Third Country Fruit Transport Protocol, helping reduce transport costs, congestion at existing checkpoints, and speeding up distribution of Thai fruit across China. Thailand’s efforts to boost its relationships follow the Ministry of Commerce’s launch of a task force under the Department of International Trade Promotion to help Thai exporters enter non-traditional markets in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Taking a differing avenue to strengthen Thailand’s position in food exports, plans are being actioned to enhance Thailand’s place in health foods. The country is focusing on international promotion of fermented foods rich in probiotics, such as Thai Khao Mak (a fermented sweet rice dessert), aiming to highlight their health benefits and cultural value. Part of the “Thai Power Probiotics & Flavor of Thai Food Health Wellness” project, the initiative seeks to turn traditional Thai cuisine into a sustainable global asset, meeting the growing popularity of functional foods worldwide. The project not only promotes Thai food but fortifies Thailand’s image as a hub for wellness. Thailand’s export expansion efforts come as its cuisine is integrated into the country’s Global Soft Power Vision, transitioning Thailand from being known as the “Land of Smiles” and a tourist destination to a leader in Soft Power-driven industries. With this, a vision has been unveiled to transform Thai cuisine into a global brand associated with nutritional science, sustainability, and health- conscious dining. To support this the Thai government is integrating new agricultural technologies, AI-driven supply chains, and blockchain transparency to ensure food quality and traceability. Thailand is a nation with its sights firmly set on expanding exports. From accelerating entry into new markets to promoting the opportunities in areas of high demand, the country is embarking on a mission to bolster its status on the global stage. © stock.adobe.com/StreetOnCamara18 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT I n a marketplace increasingly defined by shelf competition and environmental scrutiny, packaging can no longer be an afterthought. It must deliver on multiple fronts: arresting visual appeal, functional performance, regulatory compliance, and sustainability credentials. As consumers and retailers push for higher standards, brands are turning to novel materials, smarter machines, and trend-driven aesthetics to stand out in the crowded aisles of 2025 and beyond. One of the most pervasive undercurrents in packaging today is sustainability by design. Across food and drink sectors, brands are adopting biodegradable, compostable, and recycled-content materials as a default, rather than a niche offering. Reports of rising legislation, such as bans or strict limits on single-use plastics in the UK, the EU, and other jurisdictions, are accelerating this shift. With that regulatory backdrop, food companies are experimenting with plant fibres, bio-polymers, paper composites, and even edible films. What once felt like a marketing boast is now table stakes. Yet material switchovers are only part of the story. Packaging is evolving to tell a richer BAG SEALING MACHINES RM Sealers remain a leading British manufacturer and supplier of high quality Bag Sealing Machines, also known as Rotary Band Sealers and Impulse Sealers. Call 01442 843387 to speak to a member of our team SEALERS © www.rmsealers.co.uk When packaging becomes the product From bio-films and dopaminergic graphics to agile machinery and smart labels, today’s packaging trends are rewriting how products appeal, perform, and persist in a discerning, eco- aware marketplace. Food & Drink International 19 www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT narrative, one that intersects benefit, identity, and brand. In the “new economy of functional food design,” packaging is not merely a vessel but a communicator of multiple consumer promises: health, sustainability, convenience, provenance. This has birthed a design dichotomy: should the packaging emphasise benefit or brand identity? The winners will be those that calibrate both in harmony. Think: a clean, minimalist typography that highlights “fortified with fibre” yet retains a distinct brand voice. Design trends in 2025 reflect this tension. On one hand, minimalist, modern aesthetics are becoming more prevalent: clean lines, restrained palettes, simple typography, especially for brands that emphasise transparency and natural ingredients. On the other hand, visual maximalism is having its BENCHTOP BAG SEALING MACHINE IMPULSE BAG SEALING MACHINE HORIZONTAL BAG SEALING MACHINE VERTICAL BAG SEALING MACHINE 20 Á © stock.adobe.com/_KUBE_Next >