top of page

Blank Street in early talks to raise over $100m – FT reports

Café chain Blank Street is in early-stage discussions to raise more than $100 million in fresh funding as it looks to accelerate expansion, according to the Financial Times.

Starbucks completes China joint venture with Boyu Capital

Starbucks has completed its previously announced joint venture with Boyu Capital, advancing its long-term growth strategy in China.

Coca-Cola system to invest $1bn in South Africa by 2030

The Coca-Cola system in South Africa plans to invest ZAR 17.6 billion (approx. $1 billion) in the country by 2030.

Nestlé advances water unit stake sale as private equity bidders progress – FT reports

Nestlé’s planned sale of a stake in its water division has moved into the next phase, with several private equity firms advancing in the bidding process, according to a report by the Financial Times.

NMWE launches pilot to test biodiversity framework at source level
Association news
NMWE launches pilot to test biodiversity framework at source level
AVA welcomes ‘Exchange for Change’ launch as DRS consultation continues
Association news
AVA welcomes ‘Exchange for Change’ launch as DRS consultation continues
2026 outlook: How the vending and water sectors are shaping a smarter, more sustainable future
Exclusives
2026 outlook: How the vending and water sectors are shaping a smarter, more sustainable future
Exchange for Change sets aside £60m in grants for DRS retailers

Exchange for Change sets aside £60m in grants for DRS retailers

Exchange For Change plans to allocate £60 million in grants over the first three years of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to support small, independent retailers with the rollout of reverse vending machines (RVMs).

Top story
Venditalia | Jan - Apr 26
DuPont launches integrated pre-filter ultrafiltration module

DuPont launches integrated pre-filter ultrafiltration module

DuPont has launched a new ultrafiltration (UF) module with an integrated pre-filter, combining pre-filtration and ultrafiltration into a single unit.

Also in the news
Smeg USA debuts multi-function coffee machine and grinder
Blank Street in early talks to raise over $100m – FT reports
Sun Cruiser expands RTD range with white tea and vodka line
Starbucks completes China joint venture with Boyu Capital
KDP secures controlling stake in JDE Peet’s, appoints Rafael Oliveira to lead coffee spin-off
Volvic enters functional hydration with Vitamin+ launch in UK and Ireland
Carlsberg Britvic expands J2O range with sparkling line

Behind the scenes: Premium and ‘better4you’ beverage innovation at Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages’ global R&D hub

Think:Water and Profine bring Made in Italy innovation to Internorga

Kurita’s F&B solutions: Innovative water and process management for a sustainable industry

Partner content

Updates and developments from FoodBev's partners from across the globe. View more >

FoodBev Awards

Subscribe >

Refreshment Magazine

Refresh your industry knowledge!

Global Water Drinks Awards 2025: Winners announced

FoodBev Media reveals Global Water Drinks Awards 2025 shortlist

Sun Cruiser expands RTD range with white tea and vodka line

Sun Cruiser expands RTD range with white tea and vodka line

Sun Cruiser has entered into the non-carbonated vodka tea segment with the launch of a new ready-to-drink (RTD) product, White Tea + Vodka.

New product

Coffee

Vending

Smeg USA debuts multi-function coffee machine and grinder

Smeg USA debuts multi-function coffee machine and grinder

Smeg USA has expanded its coffee portfolio with the launch of a new espresso and cold brew machine, alongside a multi-purpose coffee grinder and additional colour options across its countertop appliances.

Starbucks completes China joint venture with Boyu Capital

Starbucks completes China joint venture with Boyu Capital

Starbucks has completed its previously announced joint venture with Boyu Capital, advancing its long-term growth strategy in China.

Exchange for Change sets aside £60m in grants for DRS retailers

Business

Exchange For Change plans to allocate £60 million in grants over the first three years of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to support small, independent retailers with the rollout of reverse vending machines (RVMs).

365 Retail Markets rolls out unified payment feature for modular smart stores

Vending

US-based unattended retail technology provider 365 Retail Markets has introduced a new payment capability, VisionLink, for its Vision Smart Stores, designed to consolidate transactions across multiple units into a single purchase.

TÜV Rheinland hosts first Coffee Machines & Appliances Summit in Hong Kong

TÜV Rheinland hosts first Coffee Machines & Appliances Summit in Hong Kong

TÜV Rheinland Hong Kong hosted its first Coffee Machines & Appliances Summit on 28 November, highlighting rising safety, regulatory, and cybersecurity challenges in modern household appliances.

Events

22 - 24 April 2026
The NAMA Show 2026
6 - 8 May 2026
Venditalia 2026
12 May 2026
UK Soft Drinks Conference 2026
9 - 11 June 2026
WATERTECH CHINA 2026
Katarzyna Tomanek & Adam Badnorz on Greif's sustainability | Watercoolers Europe 2025
01:57
Katarzyna Tomanek & Adam Badnorz on Greif's sustainability | Watercoolers Europe 2025
Greif is a major global packaging company that supplies reusable water cooler bottles (PET bottles) in Europe, offering logistical benefits with preforms and robust, recyclable solutions for the water dispenser industry.
Panel discussion & review of Watercoolers Europe 2025
11:43
Panel discussion & review of Watercoolers Europe 2025
Marzia Mariotti - Culligan, WE Chair Katarzyna Tomanek - Greif, WE Vice Chair Derek Callaghan - AA First, Treasurer Gustav Felix - Director General
Petainer's Michael Joyes discusses the upcoming BPA ban | Watercoolers Europe 2025
03:54
Petainer's Michael Joyes discusses the upcoming BPA ban | Watercoolers Europe 2025
The upcoming BPA ban on polycarbonate watercooler bottles and how PET offers a ready-to-implement, future-proof alternative for watercooler producers. As the BPA ban takes effect in mid-2026, businesses across Europe are preparing to transition to safer and more sustainable packaging materials. PET watercooler bottles have already proven their reliability in markets across Europe and the Americas, providing a lightweight, shatter-resistant, and energy-efficient replacement for traditional polycarbonate bottles. Petainer also presented its range of PET preforms, designed for customers looking to blow their own bottles and reduce logistics costs
InstaGroup's Mihai Apetrei on identifying new business opportunities | Watercoolers Europe 2025
02:52
InstaGroup's Mihai Apetrei on identifying new business opportunities | Watercoolers Europe 2025
Manufacturer of 19 liter bottles, bottle caps and racks. The main activity of InstaGroup is based on identifying new business opportunities. That is why InstaGroup has several fields of activity under its umbrella, such as consultancy, distribution, hospitality and trade. From 2022 we even started the production of bottles, caps, racks. We are also an importer of BWC / POU water coolers, hand/electric pumps, cup holders, metal can holders and other products related to the water-cooler market.
H2O Direct's certified PFAS filters with Jim Redford | Watercoolers Europe 2025
03:03
H2O Direct's certified PFAS filters with Jim Redford | Watercoolers Europe 2025
H2O Direct is a key UK/European supplier of advanced water filtration for coffee, vending, and water coolers, known for innovative, certified filters (like FX for microplastics/bacteria). They focus on quality, quick delivery, sustainability (recycling), and adapting to tech trends like AI/IoT for smart water solutions, highlighting safety and performance in the growing European market.
Blupura's plans for 2026 with Debora Screpanti | Watercoolers Europe 2025
02:54
Blupura's plans for 2026 with Debora Screpanti | Watercoolers Europe 2025
Blupura is a leading Italian manufacturer of high-quality, sustainable water coolers and dispensers for the European market, known for connecting directly to the mains (POU) and offering chilled, hot, or sparkling options with advanced filtration (like Blutron) and UV sterilization, emphasizing design, innovation, and reduced plastic waste.
Director General Gustav Felix on his retirement | Watercoolers Europe Conference & Fair 2025
02:10
Director General Gustav Felix on his retirement | Watercoolers Europe Conference & Fair 2025
This year’s Watercoolers Europe Conference & Trade Fair in Milan was marked by a truly special moment - the retirement of long-standing Director General, Gustav Felix. For two decades, Gustav has been the driving force behind Watercoolers Europe’s growth, collaboration, and vision. His dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment have helped shape the association into the strong, connected community it is today.
WE Chair Marzia Mariotti | Watercoolers Europe 2025 Conference & Fair
02:42
WE Chair Marzia Mariotti | Watercoolers Europe 2025 Conference & Fair
Marzia Mariotti is the Chair of Watercoolers Europe, an association that promotes healthy hydration and represents the European water dispenser industry to governments and the public. She leads the organization's strategic objectives and represents the industry at events, focusing on future trends like sustainability, smart technology, and evolving consumer needs.
bottom of page