Mars, Coca-Cola & Pepsi: The Week's Top Food & Drink Stories

1. How is Mars Restoring Coral Reefs in Indonesia?

The Big Build has united partners in Indonesia to plant 30,000 corals and build a 2,500m² reef with Mars' MARRS, scaling restoration in the Coral Triangle

Mars Sustainable Solutions has pioneered one of the largest coral restoration projects in the Spermonde Archipelago, Sulawesi.

Known as ‘The Big Build’, the initiative united government, NGO, business, and community partners to install a 2,500m² reef and outplant 30,000 corals across the tropical Coral Triangle.

This ambitious effort is part of Mars Sustainable Solutions’ ongoing mission to reverse reef decline, complementing the SHEBA Hope Grows programme, which aims to restore more than 185,000 square metres of reef by 2029.

Situated in the world's most biodiverse marine region, the Spermonde Archipelago is vital for both ecosystem preservation and local livelihoods.

‘The Big Build’ gathered 17 conservation and science participants to accelerate reef recovery, targeting sites where rubble and damage hindered natural restoration.

By concentrating efforts, the team provided an immediate framework for fish, invertebrates and future coral settlement, while boosting coastal safety.

“14 years ago, I asked a small team of Mars associates a simple question if it would be possible to rebuild a coral reef ecosystem,” says Frank Mars, Board Member and Former Board Chair of Mars.

“And today, I’m proud to say that the answer is yes, both technically and scientifically."

2. Could Circus AI Cooking Robots Reduce Food Costs?

REWE West and Circus have teamed up in innovation move to bring robotic chefs to supermarkets, increasing efficiency and cutting operational costs

German supermarket chain REWE West has partnered with global AI and robotics company Circus SE to introduce what could be a major shift in how retailers operate.

The collaboration introduces the world's first autonomous nutrition system into supermarket environments through the launch of Fresh & Smart, a new concept that integrates the Circus CA-1 AI robot and software platform into retail spaces.

From robot bag-packers to AI trolleys, retailers have been exploring technology to boost efficiency and reduce labour costs.

The CA-1 is the latest innovation in this progression, requiring only one hour of human input per day while working at a 24-hour capacity to deliver meals, reducing labour costs by 95%.

3. How PepsiCo Tackles Childhood Malnutrition & Food Security

PepsiCo is using its Quaker brand to improve food security and fight childhood malnutrition in communities across India, Guatemala and Brazil

Tackling childhood malnutrition is a major global challenge. According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 45 million children under five suffer from wasting, which is the most life-threatening form of malnutrition.

The growth and cognitive development of 149 million children are permanently affected by chronic undernutrition.

In response, PepsiCo is leveraging its food and drink expertise through its Quaker brand to enhance food security in vulnerable communities worldwide.

PepsiCo has initiated several global programmes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition.

In India this has taken the form of the Quaker Bowl of Growth programme a collaboration between PepsiCo’s Quaker brand, the PepsiCo Foundation and the MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child.

The project focuses on improving nutrition for children aged three to five. A key component of the Quaker Bowl of Growth programme is the provision of a nutritional supplement called panjiri.

This supplement, created by PepsiCo, is made with Quaker Multigrain and millet and is fortified with 18 essential vitamins and minerals and is designed to provide children with the nutrients they need for healthy growth.

Alongside direct food provision, the programme also incorporates workshops and community sessions to educate families on nutrition, hygiene and sustainable health practices.

4. How Does Walmart & Avery Dennison's War on Food Waste Work?

Walmart and Avery Dennison have joined forces to make radio-frequency identification (RFID) tech work on new categories on shelves, including meat and deli

The United Nations has identified food waste as a US$1tn opportunity for the food retail sector.

However, this opportunity can only be realised when there is collaboration and innovation across the value chain.

This collaboration and innovation is epitomised by a partnership between Walmart and Avery Dennison, which enables the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in fresh categories that were previously not possible for food retailers to track effectively.

Walmart says: "Addressing food waste and ensuring freshness are more important than ever for consumers, producers and retailers.

"This first to market solution is set to transform inventory processes and enhance associate and customer experiences across fresh departments – particularly bakery, meat and deli."

The retailer adds: "This is innovation in action, bringing RFID technology – once limited by temperature and moisture limitations - to new categories like protein and deli, connecting the physical and digital to reduce waste, improve labour efficiency, enhance consumer experiences and advance sustainability."

5. DS Smith & Coca-Cola HBC's Sustainable Beverage Packaging

DS Smith and Krones are replacing shrink wrap plastic packaging with a 100% recyclable cardboard handle for 1.5 litre soft drink bottle multipacks

The food and drink industry faces a continuous challenge in reducing its environmental footprint, particularly concerning plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from packaging.

In response, a collaboration between DS Smith, Krones and Coca-Cola HBC is addressing the issue of single-use plastic for beverage multipacks.

Together, they are introducing a recyclable packaging solution aimed at creating a more circular economy.

The companies initiated a trial of the packaging in Austria in 2023, distributing the newly packaged multipacks to supermarkets across the country.

This move aligns with the shared goal of both Coca-Cola HBC and DS Smith to develop packaging that is 100% recyclable while using the minimum amount of material necessary.

The switch to this recyclable packaging format can help Coca-Cola HBC save an estimated 200 tonnes of plastic a year, contributing to a reduction in its overall carbon footprint.

Marcel Martin, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer for Coca-Cola HBC, says: “This is the first ever packaging solution of its kind for 1.5-litre multipacks of Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite.

"It’s the result of our entrepreneurial mindset, an absolute belief in collaborating with trusted partners and our focus on reaching net zero emissions by 2040."