Tony Loeb

🍸 Kraft Heinz enters the ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages market with Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers. Nearly 1 in 5 consumers use Crystal Light as a cocktail mixer, leading to this product innovation. Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers boasts only 77 calories, zero sugars, and 3.8% ABV, targeting the 40% of hard seltzer consumers who prefer this alcohol volume. Initially available in the northeastern U.S. for $9.99 per four-pack, a broader expansion with new flavors and multipack options is planned for 2026. Crystal Light becomes the first powdered drink brand to enter the hard seltzer segment, aligning with evolving consumer preferences.

🍕 Four renowned Italian pizza masters came together for “DIALOGHI,” an exclusive event on Monday, 17 March at Modus Milano, showcasing their regional culinary traditions through pizza. Paolo De Simone, host and founder of Modus Pizzeria, delighted guests with his “Cilentana” and "Cannolo Cilentano." Raffaele Bonetta offered “Malazè,” Angelo Pezzella served “Pizza Verdone,” and Manuel Maiorano presented “Nuda e Cruda.” The event paid tribute to both local traditions and the host city Milan with the “Pizza Fritta Milanese,” combining pizza with ossobuco.

☕ Lavazza introduces "Tales of Italy," a collection elevating Italian espresso tradition with a contemporary twist, targeting Horeca professionals. Harnessing 130 years of experience, the line features four blends named after iconic Italian locations: MILANO – GALLERIA (100% Arabica), VENEZIA – CANAL GRANDE (70% Arabica, 30% Robusta), ROMA – TRASTEVERE (50% Arabica, 50% Robusta), and NAPOLI – RIVIERA DI CHIAIA (20% Arabica, 80% Robusta). Each blend boasts unique aromatic notes and is certified by the Istituto Espresso Italiano (IEI). Lavazza's survey conducted by Eumetra shows that 98% of Italians consume breakfast daily, with 50% doing so outside home at least once a month, and 20% multiple times weekly. Coffee ranks as the top criterion for selecting a breakfast venue, with cappuccino (34%) and espresso (27%) as favorite drinks. Lavazza also emphasizes its commitment to training with its Training Center, active since 1989, with 58 locations worldwide and over 30,000 professionals educated annually.