Baar, March 18, 2026 – Two of the food industry’s most advanced intelligence platforms are joining forces. SGS has announced the combination of its regulatory intelligence platform SGS Digicomply with Agroknow, a leader in food safety analytics and AI-driven risk intelligence, creating SGS Nexus – a unified platform designed to help food companies anticipate regulatory change and manage safety risks across global supply chains.

The move reflects growing demand for integrated, real-time intelligence as food businesses navigate rapidly evolving regulations, increasingly complex supplier networks and expanding volumes of safety data. By bringing regulatory, risk and compliance intelligence together in one environment, SGS Nexus aims to help companies move from reactive compliance to predictive risk management.

The platform will bring together three complementary capabilities: SGS’s global quality and inspection expertise, Agroknow’s food risk analytics, and SGS Digicomply’s real-time regulatory intelligence.

The combined platform will enable food companies to monitor regulatory changes, identify emerging safety risks and generate audit-ready evidence across their supplier networks.

Complementary capabilities, immediate benefits

Unlike many technology integrations, this merger brings together complementary client bases and capabilities. Existing SGS Digicomply and Agroknow clients will continue using their current solutions while gaining access to expanded intelligence and analytics as the platform evolves.

“With SGS Nexus, we're not just merging technologies – we're establishing a new global standard for food intelligence,” said Géraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS. “This platform reflects our Strategy 27 ambition to build trust through digital ecosystems and reinforces our role as an independent partner helping clients navigate growing regulatory and safety complexity.”

“Our goal is to become the go-to intelligence layer for food companies worldwide,” said Nikos Manouselis, CEO of Agroknow. “By combining regulatory data, food safety incidents and machine learning in a single environment, we’re transforming how risk is assessed, managed and prevented.”

A unified platform for food safety and compliance

Over the next 12 months, SGS Nexus will roll out a unified platform combining the capabilities of SGS Digicomply and Agroknow while introducing powerful new tools to help food companies manage safety, compliance and supplier risk more proactively.

Key capabilities will include:

• Real-time global compliance intelligence – tracking food laws, standards, regulatory updates and safety alerts worldwide and mapping them to product portfolios and ingredients
• Predictive risk detection – using machine learning across recalls, import refusals, border rejections and monitoring programs to identify early warning signals before risks escalate
• Audit planning and readiness support – transforming external data into structured evidence and audit-ready reports, aligned with major standards such as GFSI, FSMA, and customer requirements
• Lab testing and specification optimization – helping teams prioritize lab testing budgets and ingredient approvals based on real-world risk profiles and historical incident patterns
• Supplier and material risk assessment – enabling benchmarking of suppliers using external risk scores and incident data, supporting annual audit planning and proactive sourcing decisions.
• AI-powered insights – allowing teams to ask complex regulatory or risk questions in plain language and receive relevant insights and recommendations instantly

In addition to the SaaS platform, the company will also offer Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) channels allowing organizations to integrate food safety and regulatory intelligence directly into PLM systems, ERP tools and custom risk models.

Supporting a more predictive approach to food safety

SGS Nexus marks a key milestone in SGS’s digital strategy, designed to help food businesses move from fragmented compliance management toward a more predictive, data-driven approach to safety and risk management.

LONDON, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The global is growing rapidly, valued at around US$29.4 billion in 2025 and projected to reach US$71.8 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 13.6% in the coming years. This expansion is driven by rising consumer interest in lactose-free diets, vegan lifestyles, and sustainable food choices. Plant-based drinks have evolved from niche alternatives into mainstream beverages consumed in homes, cafés, and foodservice channels worldwide. Increasing product innovation, including protein-enriched and barista-style beverages, is strengthening market demand. As consumers seek healthier and environmentally responsible diets, plant-based beverages are becoming a core component of modern beverage portfolios.

Key Highlights

• The global plant-based beverage market is projected to grow from US$29.4 billion in 2025 to US$71.8 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 13.6%.
• North America leads the market with about 43% share, driven by strong consumer demand for premium, functional, and clean-label dairy alternatives.
• Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, expanding at a CAGR of 14.9%, supported by urbanization, lactose-free diets, and expanding café culture.
• Soy-based beverages dominate the source segment, accounting for around 38% share due to their high protein content and affordability.
• Oat-based beverages represent the fastest-growing source category, fueled by sustainability appeal and strong adoption in specialty coffee and foodservice channels.
• Product innovation is accelerating, highlighted by protein-fortified and functional plant beverages targeting fitness, digestive health, and clean-label nutrition trends.

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Growing Health Consciousness and Shift toward Dairy Alternatives

The rising focus on health and wellness is a major factor driving demand for plant-based beverages. Consumers are increasingly looking for alternatives to traditional dairy products due to concerns about lactose intolerance, cholesterol intake, and digestive health. Plant-based drinks made from almonds, oats, soy, and coconut offer lactose-free and low-cholesterol options that align with modern nutritional preferences. Research indicates that about 73% of consumers now prefer plant-based beverages over sugary drinks, highlighting the shift toward functional and nutritious hydration. The trend is particularly visible among younger consumers and urban populations who are adopting flexitarian or vegan diets. Manufacturers are responding with fortified formulations enriched with vitamins, minerals, and plant proteins to enhance nutritional value. For example, protein-rich oat and soy drinks are gaining traction among fitness-conscious consumers seeking dairy alternatives that support muscle recovery and overall health. Retail distribution has also expanded rapidly, with supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms increasing shelf space for plant-based beverages. This broader availability, combined with improved taste and texture, is accelerating adoption across both developed and emerging markets.

Rising Demand for Sustainable and Ethical Food Choices

Sustainability considerations are another powerful driver of the plant-based beverage market. Many consumers perceive plant-derived drinks as environmentally friendly alternatives to dairy because they typically require fewer natural resources such as land and water during production. Environmental awareness, along with ethical concerns about animal welfare, has encouraged the growth of vegan and plant-forward diets worldwide. Plant-based beverages fit well into these lifestyle choices because they reduce reliance on animal-derived ingredients while maintaining nutritional value. Manufacturers are strengthening sustainability credentials by sourcing ingredients responsibly and investing in eco-friendly packaging solutions. Companies are also promoting climate-conscious supply chains and carbon-reduction initiatives to appeal to environmentally aware consumers. The café and foodservice industry is also playing a major role in popularizing these beverages. Coffee chains and restaurants increasingly offer oat, almond, and soy milk as standard alternatives, particularly in specialty coffee drinks. The ability of oat milk to foam well for lattes and cappuccinos has made it especially popular among baristas, further expanding consumer exposure to plant-based beverages. Overall, the combination of health benefits, ethical consumption patterns, and environmental awareness continues to strengthen the long-term growth trajectory of the market.

Key Highlight: Product Innovation by Danone with Silk Protein Beverage in 2025

• A notable development in the plant-based beverage market in November 2025 was the launch of Silk Protein, a new high-protein plant-based milk from Danone North America. The beverage contains 13 grams of complete plant protein per serving, including all nine essential amino acids, along with 3 grams of fiber and 50% less sugar than regular dairy milk. It also provides calcium and vitamin D and contains no artificial sweeteners, reflecting a stronger focus on nutrient-dense plant-based alternatives.
• The launch aims to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for protein-rich foods and beverages. According to the company, Silk Protein addresses a gap in the plant-based drink segment, which has historically seen very limited protein-focused innovation despite rising interest in protein consumption. The product is positioned as one of the highest-protein refrigerated plant-based milks currently available, helping strengthen Danone's portfolio in the category.
• Silk Protein is being introduced in original and chocolate flavors and rolled out regionally with broader nationwide distribution planned for early 2026. The product contains about 130 calories per serving and is sold in multi-serve bottles, expanding Silk's lineup of plant-based beverages designed to meet evolving consumer nutrition preferences.

This development highlights a broader shift in the plant-based beverage industry toward protein-enriched and functional drinks. With consumer interest in high-protein diets increasing and the category historically under-developed in this area, companies are focusing on nutritional innovation to reinvigorate growth and attract health-focused consumers.

Segmentation Insights: Soy-Based Beverages Lead Market Share While Oat-Based Alternatives Record Fastest Growth

Soy-based beverages are expected to lead the segment with around 38% market share, supported by their strong protein profile, affordability, and long-standing consumer familiarity across Asia and North America. Their adaptability in flavored, fortified, and barista-ready formats continues to support widespread adoption in both households and foodservice channels. Almond beverages maintain steady demand among calorie-conscious consumers, though sourcing challenges linked to water-intensive cultivation remain a concern. Oat-based beverages are emerging as the fastest-growing source segment, gaining momentum due to their sustainability credentials and superior foaming performance in café applications. Recent product launches of barista-grade oat milk by leading brands and coffee chains have accelerated this growth, reinforcing oat beverages as a premium and rapidly expanding niche within the plant-based beverage market.

Regional Insights: North America Leads While Asia Pacific Emerges as the Fastest-Growing Plant-based Beverage Hub

North America holds the leading share of about 43% of the market share, supported by strong consumer demand for premium, functional, and clean-label dairy alternatives. In the U.S., consumers increasingly prefer protein-enriched almond, oat, and soy beverages that support fitness and digestive wellness. Canada is witnessing rapid uptake of barista-grade plant milks as cafés and specialty retailers promote sustainable dairy alternatives. Major regional brands such as Califia Farms, Blue Diamond's Almond Breeze, Ripple Foods, and SunOpta are expanding portfolios with probiotic blends, creamers, and low-sugar variants. The rapid growth of e-commerce and foodservice partnerships continues to strengthen adoption across mainstream and premium segments. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional market, expanding at a CAGR of 14.9%, driven by evolving dietary habits and increasing preference for dairy-light lifestyles. In India, demand for soy, almond, and multi-grain beverages is rising as urban consumers adopt lactose-free and convenient nutrition formats. China's market is expanding rapidly due to e-commerce-driven premiumization and strong demand for clean-label, low-sugar plant drinks among young professionals. Japan's beverage industry is focusing on functional formulations that support digestive health, while South Korea's café culture is boosting the popularity of oat and coconut milk in specialty beverages. Growing health awareness and innovation in flavors continue to accelerate plant-based beverage adoption across the region.

Market Segmentation

By Source

• Soy
• Coconut
• Almond
• Oat
• Others

By Nature

• Plain
• Flavored

By Sales Channel

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Retail
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia and Oceania
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

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Key Players and Business Strategies

Leading players in the plant-based beverage market include Danone S.A., Califia Farms, Blue Diamond Growers, Oatly Group AB, and SunOpta Inc.

• Danone S.A. continues expanding its plant-based portfolio through brands such as Silk and Alpro, focusing on protein-enriched and functional beverages.
• Califia Farms emphasizes premium almond and oat-based drinks, strengthening its presence in specialty coffee and barista segments.
• Blue Diamond Growers leverages its almond supply chain to maintain a strong position in the almond milk category.
• Oatly Group AB focuses on oat-based beverages designed for café applications, helping popularize plant milk in coffee culture.
• SunOpta Inc. invests in sustainable sourcing and manufacturing capacity to support rising global demand.

Industry strategies emphasize product innovation, nutritional fortification, sustainable sourcing, and expansion into emerging markets. Companies are also strengthening partnerships with retailers and foodservice chains to expand market penetration and consumer accessibility.

(Herndon, Va; Mar. 16, 2026) As packaging and processing operations face accelerating technological change, workforce shortages, and rising sustainability demands, PACK EXPO International 2026 (Oct. 18-21, McCormick Place, Chicago) returns at the right time for packaging and processing professionals seeking solutions to these challenges and more.

The show will be the largest in its history, featuring 1.3 million net square feet of exhibit space, more than 2,600 exhibitors, and approximately 48,000 professionals from over 40 vertical markets. The event brings together packaging and processing solutions across industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, logistics and supply chain, pet food, processing, personal care and more.

Industry research from show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, highlights why attending PACK EXPO International is more important than ever. According to PMMI’s white paper, the range of AI applications in packaging equipment has expanded significantly in the past two years, with solutions becoming increasingly affordable and sophisticated. As awareness and proof-of-concept implementations grow, AI is becoming accessible to a wider range of manufacturers and brand owners.

At the same time, the industry continues to face significant workforce challenges. PMMI’s report identifies the shortage of skilled technical workers as one of the most significant barriers facing manufacturers today, a challenge many expect to persist or even worsen in the coming years.

“In the two years since our last show, trends like AI, robotics, and automation have taken off and become prominent in the industry,” says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. “We’ve also seen workforce challenges, sustainability demands, and regulatory pressures remain top concerns.”

PACK EXPO International provides a unique opportunity for attendees to address these challenges firsthand. The show floor will feature thousands of solutions designed to improve productivity, streamline operations, and support evolving industry needs, from automation and AI-driven technologies to sustainability innovations and workforce development tools.

“PACK EXPO International offers brands an opportunity to see thousands of solutions to these pressing industry challenges on the floor in real time, learn from leading industry experts, and utilize their time effectively to come away with tangible results,” Thompson says.

In addition to technology demonstrations, attendees will have access to more than 150 free educational sessions on five different stages located directly on the show floor, providing insight into the industry’s most important topics including the State of the Industry (packaging and processing), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), GS1 Sunrise 2027, recycling, material handling, logistics, supply chain, and more.

New for 2026

To support small and medium-sized businesses, PACK EXPO International will introduce the SMB FastTrack program, highlighting exhibitors and educational sessions tailored to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses (SMB).

During the show, PMMI Media Group will host , curated expert-led tours designed to help busy professionals efficiently navigate the expansive show floor and discover relevant innovations.

Kolding, Denmark, March 2026.

For decades, agitation has been known as an energy-intensive and maintenance-heavy processes in hygienic production. The new EnSaLine agitator platform from Alfa Laval is about to change that, allowing food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical and home & personal care manufacturers to save time and operating costs from day one.  “The current fleet of hygienic agitators is ageing in many industries, and we wanted to offer a truly new and ground-breaking design that answers the need for effortless and efficient operation and maintenance”, says Christian Jørgensen, Global Portfolio Manager, Mixing, at Alfa Laval. “By listening to feedback from our customers we rethought agitator design from the ground up and created the new EnSaLine range that sets a new and future-proof benchmark in hygienic production, maintaining high efficiency, while adding new benefits.”

30 minutes service time – safe and easy

Fast and safe maintenance were focal points in the new agitator design. “Difficult and time-consuming maintenance procedures with heavy lifting and safety concerns were common issues in the customer feedback we received. Therefore, we designed EnSaLine agitators for effortless maintenance that can be carried out by one technician in less than 30 minutes. There is no longer any need to enter the tank, which greatly improves safety during maintenance”, said Christian Jørgensen.

He explains that all EnSaLine seals and bearings are contained in one, replaceable cartridge to enable safe and easy maintenance. In addition, the unique EnSaLine shaft seal assembly reduces complexity and requires a minimal number of spare parts. Several of the innovative maintenance solutions have achieved patent protection.

Energy savings of up to 80%
The EnSaLine agitators feature the unique EnSaFoil impellers that deliver higher efficiency than comparable technologies. The exceptional efficiency cuts mixing time and reduces energy consumption by up to 80%, increasing productivity and providing a typical pay-back time of less than two years.

The EnSaFoil impeller design ensures gentle product treatment for high product quality and high yield. Inside the tank, the fully flushable design and the seal housing offer excellent cleanability and raise the bar for hygienic processing and product safety.

Future-proof connectivity
The new range of EnSaLine agitators offers connectivity functionality for predictive maintenance. Sensors continuously monitor operating conditions to help avoid unplanned downtime, optimize service intervals and ultimately extend service life of equipment.

Designed for fast configuration and installation
The EnSaLine platform is designed for simplified configuration and fast installation. The new design allows for competitive pricing, while high daily efficiency and easy maintenance lower operating costs. EnSaLine S Side Mounted agitator and EnSaLine B Bottom Mounted agitator are available now.

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