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Restaurant trends, food science, CPG brands, and the business of what we eat and drink. Get the latest food & beverage developments delivered to your inbox every morning. AI-powered, personalized, and grounded in real sources.

Today's Briefing
Friday, Oct 16, 2026

Rich's Expands Beverage Innovation Portfolio with New Protein Syrup

  • Global food company Rich Products introduced Rich's Beverage Solutions Protein Syrup on October 14, 2026, a versatile addition to its portfolio designed for foodservice operators. This shelf-stable syrup allows for easy protein enhancement in various beverages like coffee, smoothies, and lemonades, with one pump delivering 15 grams of protein from collagen peptides and amino acids. The launch addresses growing consumer demand for functional and personalized beverages, offering a simple way for operators to increase ticket sizes and create new snacking occasions without operational complexity.

  • Constellation Brands, known for Modelo and Corona, acquired the spiked sports drink brand SpikedAde for $75 million, as reported on October 15, 2026. This strategic move strengthens Constellation's position in the ready-to-drink (RTD) category, with SpikedAde offering zero sugar, 3g carbs, and 100 calories in a non-carbonated vodka-based format.

  • McCain Foods is expanding its global footprint by acquiring Falcon Agrifriz Foods' frozen potato processing business in Gujarat, India, an agreement reported on October 15, 2026. This acquisition will boost McCain's manufacturing capacity in India, complementing its existing operations and supporting long-term growth in both domestic and key export markets.

  • World Food Day, observed on October 16, 2026, is highlighting innovation in food systems, including a joint project between the FAO and the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge that uses drones to detect disease threats. These drones collect environmental DNA from cave entrances to identify known or novel pathogens within days, offering a quicker and more cost-effective surveillance method for zoonotic diseases compared to traditional approaches.

The Bottom Line

The food and beverage sector is actively pursuing growth through strategic acquisitions in high-demand categories like RTD beverages and global markets, while also innovating with functional ingredients to meet evolving consumer preferences for health and personalization.

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