FoodBev talks to Danny Lowe, the founder and director of Blockhead, which is thinking differently about the confectionery category with its vitamin and energy gum.

The company currently has two offerings – lemon-flavoured energy gum and peppermint-flavoured vitamin gum – and, as Lowe explains, the company is exploring new formats, such as calming confectionery, which could come as early as next year.

Alex Clere spoke to Lowe about the rising focus on functional confectionery and its primed position for growth.

Martin White rounds up the day's biggest news in the world of food and beverages, including: Molson Coors boosted by European and international sales, UK government to introduce tax on single-use plastics, and PepsiCo acquires plant-based superfood brand Health Warrior

Martin White rounds up the day's biggest news in the world of food and beverages, including: Coca-Cola sales rise as healthier beverages perform strongly, The Restaurant Group agrees to acquire Wagamama for £559m, and Mondelēz International launches SnackFutures ‘innovation hub’

Martin White rounds up the day's biggest news in the world of food and beverages, including: Hain Celestial appoints Mark Schiller as its new CEO, Coca-Cola set to build $300m factory in Vietnam – reports, and 250 organisations join forces to tackle plastic waste levels

Martin White rounds up the day's biggest news in the world of food and beverages, including: Saputo agrees to acquire F&A Dairy Products for $85m, Danone aims to make 100% of packaging recyclable by 2025, and CCEP profits from good weather in Europe with revenue up 11%

Harriet Jachec rounds up the day's biggest news in the world of food and beverages, including: EU lawmakers vote to ban range of single-use plastics from 2021, Kerry to acquire AATCO and Fleischmann’s for 365m euros, and Mondelēz extends Cocoa Life sustainability scheme to Brazil.

Martin White rounds up the day's biggest news in the world of food and beverages, including: Heineken’s Q3 boosted by rising beer sales in all regions, Kraft Heinz sells Complan and other Indian assets for $628m, and Unilever and Veolia sign sustainability collaboration deal

Martin White rounds up the day's biggest news in the world of food and beverages, including: Danone aims to triple the size of its plant-based business by 2025, No-deal Brexit could cause five years of supply turmoil – report, and some meat-free alternatives ‘saltier than seawater’ – study

Martin White rounds up the day's biggest news in the world of food and beverages, including: General Mills’ 301 Inc leads $40m funding in vegan brand Kite Hill, Döhler acquires majority stake in ingredients company Nutrafood, and UK government reveals plan to ban plastic straws in England

Martin White rounds up the day's biggest news in the world of food and beverages, including: Coca-Cola appoints Brian Smith as new chief operating officer, US government launches food waste education programme, and HelloFresh acquires Canadian meal kit company Chefs Plate