News in brief: a round-up of industry stories
We visit different corners of the industry to bring you a selection of stories in bitesize form.
INDI targets cognitive health
INDI has expanded its functional food range with the launch of Brain Bar, a clean-label snack designed to support cognitive function while delivering sustained energy and gut-friendly fibre in one tasty package.
The 35g raw snack bar contains more than 6g of fibre and combines 16 nutrient-rich ingredients, including vitamins B12, C and D3, alongside iron and zinc to help reduce fatigue and support normal cognitive function. It also features functional ingredients such as lion’s mane mushroom, rhodiola rosea and guarana, combined with wholefood ingredients selected to support focus, mental energy and everyday wellness.
Free from added sugars, artificial flavourings, emulsifiers and preservatives, Brain Bar has a chocolate and berry flavour with a chewy almond butter and date base, alongside walnuts, flaxseed, puffed quinoa, cranberries, blueberries and haskap berries.
SOS campaign boost
Health Stores Ireland’s Save Our Supplements campaign has received a boost after nutritionist and author Patrick Holford urged his 30,000 followers to back its petition opposing proposed EU restrictions on vitamin and mineral supplements.
The campaign says the petition has now surpassed 25,000 signatures after attracting almost 1,200 new supporters in 24 hours. Organizers are now targeting 50,000 signatures.
In a statement, Holford warned that proposed harmonized maximum permitted levels (MPLs) could restrict consumer access to higher-dose supplements, including vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc and manganese.
Acknowledging Holford’s role in driving the petition numbers, Health Stores Ireland president Erica Murray says the response reflects the strength of public feeling on the issue.
She adds: “Politicians are finally beginning to take notice and there have been some promising replies to hundreds of emails landing on their desks.”
Time for tea
Nourish has partnered with OMGTEA to launch its new Matcha Coconut Cookies, tapping into growing demand for healthier, functional snacks with more adventurous flavours.
The organic, plant-based biscuits combine AA-grade Japanese matcha with Sri Lankan coconut and Madagascan vanilla, offering a refined sugar-free alternative to traditional sweet snacks. Designed for modern snacking occasions, the cookies aim to appeal to consumers looking for convenient products that balance indulgence with better-for-you credentials.
According to Nourish, biscuits remain an ideal snacking format for busy lifestyles as long as attention is paid to ingredient quality. The company says the cookies showcase matcha as an everyday ingredient, highlighting its association with brain function, heart health and reduced stress while delivering a distinctive flavour profile.
The Matcha Coconut Cookies are available as a 20g single-serve pack.
Tranquil summer
Sweet Bee Organics has expanded its botanical wellbeing range with the launch of the Summer Stillness collection, designed to encourage relaxation during the busy summer months.
The collection comprises three products that combine aromatherapy with self-care: a Sweet Sleep Magnesium Butter to soothe tired muscles and support restful sleep; a Calming Roller for moments of calm while on the go; and a botanical Summer Stillness Candle formulated to create a relaxing evening atmosphere. The products feature blends of essential oils including green mandarin, Roman chamomile, frankincense, spearmint and may chang.
Sweet Bee Organics was created after founder Hollie King struggled to find an organic sun cream for her young sons. The Somerset-based brand has since grown into a botanical wellbeing business focused on products that support the nervous system through natural ingredients.
Lakrids celebrates
Danish confectionery brand Lakrids by Bülow has launched Celebration, a new collection designed to mark everyday moments and special occasions.
Rolling out this autumn, the collection features:
Confetti Cake – capturing the nostalgia of birthday cake in liquorice form, this pairs sweet liquorice with silky white chocolate, cream and delicate vanilla, lifted by notes of strawberry and pineapple, and finished with sprinkles
Salmiak Shake – for lovers of bold Nordic flavours, this delivers an intense experience pairing signature salty liquorice with pure salmiak salt, allowing fans to coat each bite to suit their own taste
Strawberry Symphony – a sharing jar bringing together three flavours: the vibrant tang of Sour Strawberry, the creamy sweetness of Strawberries & Cream and the fruity richness of Milkshake
The Large Celebration Selection Box and Small Celebration Selection Box – assortments of bestselling flavours, ideal gifts or centrepieces for sharing throughout the year.
By Jane Wolfe, contributor