Caffie Energy Water launches nationally today, giving hospitality venues a caffeinated alternative to the usual still or sparkling water order. The new Australian-made drink is a sparkling spring water with caffeine, packaged in 350ml glass bottles and aimed at restaurants, bars, cafés, pubs and hotels. It has been created by hospitality veteran Hugh Brown, who developed the product after decades owning restaurants, bars, festivals and entertainment venues. “Guests could order still water, sparkling water, soft drinks, coffee or an energy drink, but there wasn’t a premium option that combined clean refreshment with functional energy,” Brown said. “We weren’t trying to reinvent water or replace coffee. We wanted to create a completely new category that naturally belongs on a table alongside great food or as a premium mixer, while giving consumers another choice.” The product gives venues a premium water-style drink with a caffeine hit, without pushing the order into soft drink, coffee or traditional energy drink territory. Each bottle contains 112mg of caffeine, which the brand says is equivalent to one cup of strong coffee. The drink is zero sugar, with 2.5 calories in the Natural variety and 4 calories in Lime. Caffie is launching in two full-strength flavours, Natural and Lime, both made using sparkling Australian spring water. The brand is pitching Energy Water as its own category rather than a replacement for coffee or bottled water. In venue terms, that means something that can sit on the table with food, work as a mixer, or serve as a lighter alternative for people looking for caffeine without the syrupy sweetness of a standard energy drink. “We’ve seen premium bottled water, specialty coffee and craft beer all evolve into categories in their own right,” Brown said. “We know Energy Water is the next category to emerge.” Caffie Energy Water is available through hospitality venues nationally as of today, September 1. Source: Thrive Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.

Hugos Chocolates is heading into the baking aisle with Hugos Bakes, a new range of dessert ingredients now available at Coles nationally. The Australian chocolate brand has launched ready-to-bake Gems in Hazelnut, Pistachio and Caramelised Biscuit, alongside Roasted Kataifi for home bakers looking to add crunch, flavour and a bit more drama to cookies, brownies, cakes and desserts. Hugos Chocolates founder Costa Kon said, “This is our first step outside traditional confectionery, and it’s an incredibly exciting moment for the brand. Hugos has always been about innovation, indulgence and creativity and Hugos Bakes allows people to bring that same magic into their own kitchens. “We’ve taken some of our most-loved flavour profiles and transformed them into ingredients that inspire creativity, experimentation and moments of joy in the kitchen.” The Gems come in 140g packs and can be sprinkled, folded through batter or used as a topping, while the Roasted Kataifi comes in a 200g pack, already shredded and roasted for use in sweet and savoury dishes. The range arrives as supermarket baking shelves are starting to look a lot more like the ooey-gooey side of #FoodTok. Pistachio has been everywhere, caramelised biscuit still turns up across café cakes and cheesecakes, and kataifi has moved well beyond specialist grocers after the rise of crunchy, layered chocolate desserts online. That gives Hugos a straightforward way into home baking: take the flavours people already recognise from chocolate and dessert content, then package them for the cookies, brownies, cakes and slices people are making at home. The new line of products is made in Australia and available now at Coles stores across Australia. Hugos Bakes Roasted Kataifi retails for $6.50, while the Hugos Bakes Gems retail for $7.00. Source: Twofold Media Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

Tasting Australia is preparing for its 20th edition as South Australia heads into a bigger year for food and drink recognition. The festival will run from April 30 to May 9, 2027 across Adelaide and regional South Australia, with Journey Beyond returning as presenting partner. The 2027 program will be shaped by Festival Curators Duncan Welgemoed and Kane Pollard, who will be joined by new Festival Curator Rebecca Hopkins. Hopkins brings more than 25 years of experience across wine, hospitality, lifestyle, communications, marketing and events in Australia and the United States. South Australian venues are also being invited to take part in the 2027 program, with applications open until Friday, October 9. Venue applications are opening in a year when South Australian food is already drawing more attention. Next month, the state will become the first Australian destination to feature in the MICHELIN Guide. Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke said, “Great food and drink are part of South Australia’s identity, cherished by locals and celebrated by visitors who are consistently impressed by the quality and authenticity of our experiences. Tasting Australia honours that passion. “Next month South Australia will make its debut in the world-renowned MICHELIN Guide – the first Australian destination to feature in the global gastronomic bible and further evidence of our state’s culinary credentials and their power to attract visitors from around the world.” Hopkins said, “For almost two decades, this very special festival has welcomed guests in ways that are always uniquely South Australian and delivered with heart. “Meira Harel and Banjo Harris Plane have done a wonderful job as Tasting Australia drinks curators over the past four years, and it’s an honour to now step into the role and celebrate the world of beverages and the stories they tell. “Having recently returned to live in McLaren Vale after nearly 20 years abroad working in wine, I’m convinced South Australia is the best place in the world to make wine, connect with nature and share those experiences with a passionate community.” Tasting Australia has become one of the state’s major food and drink events, drawing together chefs, winemakers, producers, venues and visitors across the city and regions. Journey Beyond Executive General Manager of Marketing Justine Lally said, “Journey Beyond is thrilled to once again be the presenting partner of Tasting Australia, and to celebrate the incredible food, people and places that make South Australia such a special destination. “Some of life and travel’s best memories are created around a table, sharing great food and stories, particularly when you’re discovering somewhere new. That’s what makes Tasting Australia such a natural partnership for Journey Beyond.” The full Tasting Australia 2027 program will be announced closer to the event. Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

Macca’s is bringing the McGold Card to Australia for the first time, giving nine people the chance to win Free Macca’s for Life. The once-mythical card will arrive in September as part of a month-long MyMacca’s App campaign, combining daily deals with prize entries for one of the biggest flexes in fast food. From September 1, Macca’s will drop a new Golden Deal in the app every day. Offers will include a $3 Big Mac, a $2.50 McFlurry, and a Quarter Pounder with a small Soft Drink for under $6. Every eligible Golden Deal purchase made through the MyMacca’s App will also put customers in the running to win a McGold Card. Annabel Fribence, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s Australia, said, “The McGold Card has become the ultimate piece of Macca’s lore around the world, so we’re incredibly excited to finally bring it to Australia and give our fans the chance to get their hands on one. “At Macca’s, delivering great value is at the heart of what we do, whether that’s through our Loose Change Menu, McSmart Range or MyMacca’s rewards. “This September, we’re taking our commitment to value to a whole new level with daily Golden Deals in the MyMacca’s App, alongside the chance to win a prize Aussies have only ever dreamed about. “From scoring your favourite Macca’s order for less to joining the search for our missing McGold Card on Bondi Beach, we’re giving fans more reasons to visit. It’s an exciting chance to be part of Macca’s history and become one of Australia’s very first McGold Card holders.” Macca’s is also taking the hunt offline with a Bondi Beach event on Friday, September 4. The McGold Rush will start at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, where MyMacca’s App users can take part in a timed metal detector challenge on the sand. Hidden tokens will unlock Macca’s merch, food vouchers or a spot in the grand finale. Later that day, successful challengers will compete in the final search for the missing McGold Card. One person will walk away with Free Macca’s for Life, while the other finalists will receive prizes. Spots for the McGold Rush are available to book via Eventbrite, with limited additional availability on the day. The McGold Card promotion begins through the MyMacca’s App from September 1, with the Bondi McGold Rush taking place on September 4. Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.