LAUNCH, the coalition of technology supporters that includes such organizations as NIKE Inc., NASA, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of State, is adding some Nordic-based new members such as IKEA, Novozymes, Kvadrat, Arla and a number of government institutions, to form LAUNCH Nordic. Since 2010, the coalition has spotted and supported “visionaries whose ideas, technologies or programs have the potential to create a better world.”

Starbucks announced that it will enter the ready-to-drink coffee category in Europe, an approximately US$550 million market. It has signed an agreement with Arla Foods for the manufacture, distribution and marketing of Starbucks-branded premium RTD coffee beverages in Europe. This new relationship complements Starbucks coffee expertise and experience in the ready-to-drink coffee category.