Weekly Roundup: Nestlé and Starbucks unveil at-home coffee for US consumers, Azelis opens food development kitchen

17 Jan 2020 --- This week in product development news, Nestlé and Starbucks unveiled a range of coffee products that will be available in the US next month. Retailer Aldi announced that 80 of its own exclusive brand Simply Nature products earned the Good Housekeeping Nutritionist Approved Emblem. In the same week, Azelis opened a Food & Health development kitchen in Germany and Bell Flavors & Fragrances (Northbrook) achieved Safe Quality Food (SQF)’s top rating of “Excellent” for the ninth year running.

In brief: Launches and releases
Nestlé and Starbucks have unveiled a new range of Starbucks coffee products that will be available in US grocery stores from next month. The new line-up includes Cold Brew concentrate, Fresh Brew coffee, as well as blends of Starbucks coffee with essential vitamins and golden turmeric – among others. These new launches will strengthen Starbucks’ at-home coffee offering, providing consumers new ways to enjoy Starbucks products in the comfort of their home, the company notes. These products build upon the portfolio of innovation of the global coffee alliance, formed in August 2018, which aims to create a revolutionary coffee experience for consumers. In 2019, Nestlé launched four coffee platforms worldwide under the Starbucks brand, including Starbucks Creamers in the US.

In brief: Awards and recognition
Aldi has announced that 80 of its own exclusive brand Simply Nature products have earned the Good Housekeeping Nutritionist Approved Emblem. Simply Nature products are Non-GMO Project verified, free-from 125 ingredients and many are organic. All Aldi-exclusive foods, including the Simply Nature line, are free from artificial colors, partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) and added MSG. Among the Simply Nature products to receive this symbol for their simplicity, transparency and innovation are Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef, Organic Chicken Breasts, Organic 100 percent Pure Avocado Oil, Organic Chicken or Beef Bone Broth, Organic Black Bean Spaghetti, Organic Quinoa and Knock Your Sprouts Off Sprouted 7-Grain Low Sodium Bread. The Good Housekeeping Nutritionist Approved Emblem empowers consumers to make informed food choices knowing registered dietitians have carefully evaluated these ALDI-exclusive products at the Good Housekeeping Institute Food & Nutrition Lab.

Bell Flavors & Fragrances has completed its 2019 SQF audit, resulting in Northbrook’s highest ever score of 99. For the ninth year in a row, Bell Northbrook has achieved SQF’s top rating of “Excellent.” Preparation for the audit has been a year-long project requiring effort from various Bell departments. Onboarding new software for food safety, quality and compliance assurance has required many changes and relearning of everyday tasks. Having this in place significantly streamlined the audit process. 

In brief: Business news
Distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients Azelis has opened a Food & Health development kitchen in Sankt Augustin, Germany. The company will specifically address the German food market by developing innovative formulations addressing market trends and build on Azelis DACH’s extensive ingredient portfolio. Prime development focus will be on specific local needs, in all market segments. The kitchen will function as the starting point for food concepts and new product developments and will explore the latest market trends and claims, such as clean-label products, easy-to-prepare concepts and healthier foods, the company states. The kitchen will also facilitate seminars and technical training for customers to inform them about different market trends, specialty ingredients and formulation solutions. 

Carlos Abrams-Rivera In brief: Appointments & retirements
Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patricio has announced that Carlos Abrams-Rivera will join his senior leadership team as the new US zone President. Effective from February 03, 2020, Abrams-Rivera will lead all US business operations, the company’s largest business. Since officially stepping into the CEO role in July 2019, Patricio also has served as interim President of the US zone, in addition to his global duties. A native of Puerto Rico, Abrams-Rivera, will join the company after a successful career spanning more than two decades at companies including Campbell Soup Company, Mondelēz International and Kraft Foods.

The Board of the parent company of 2 Sisters Food Group, Boparan Holdings, has announced that Chairman Lord Charles Allen of Kensington has decided to retire from the business. During almost nine years in the non-executive Chairman role, Lord Allen has helped steer the company since its acquisition of Northern Foods in 2011. Lord Allen will be succeeded in early 2020 by retail industry heavyweight Richard Pennycook.

In brief: Other highlights
New Zealand-based dairy co-operative Fonterra has announced plans to make it easier for more dairy farmers to get into their own farms, and to grow with the co-op, by extending its MyMilk initiative to the North Island in New Zealand. “Fonterra’s been looking at ways to make it easier for farmers to join and grow in the Co-op, ensuring our co-op is strong for generations to come,” says Group Director of Farm Source, Richard Allen. MyMilk provides farmers with a pathway into the Co-op by allowing them to supply MyMilk for up to five years without buying shares. It’s great for farmers who aren’t currently Fonterra suppliers but want to be a part of the New Zealand co-operative story. MyMilk will be available in the North Island for supply starting in June. Eligibility conditions apply and MyMilk volumes are limited to 5 percent of Fonterra’s total milk collections.

By Elizabeth Green