Price has always been a key appeal of private labels compared with national brands. Now, because of factors such as inflation, commodity pricing, and sustainability investment, this gap is narrowing.
The latest data from the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) estimates world wine consumption in 2023 declined 2.6% compared to the year before: continuing a steady downwards trend. But a few markets are seeing growth.
The majority of shoppers are ‘unwilling to sacrifice quality’ even if that means paying a higher price, new research suggests. Plus: opportunities in dairy desserts, ice cream, label claims and pack sizes.
Despite ongoing strains on volume in Europe due to disagreements with retailers, Mondelēz International suggested negotiations are going better than expected.
Understanding of high-histamine and histamine-liberating foods is relatively new, but it’s quickly gaining consumer interest. So, what is this new trend towards consuming low-histamine foods and is it one to watch?
In what the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) calls 'one of the most significant declines witnessed in recent history', wine production in 2023 reached its lowest level since 1961: hit by adverse climatic events such as early...
After a challenging few years in which falling sales and units dragged plant-based protein into the trough of disillusionment, stakeholders are finding ways up the other side of the Gartner Hype Cycle by leveraging emerging technologies, novel ingredients...
This week’s new product development round-up is celebrating all things functionality in the beverage category. From mushrooms to adaptogens and CBD, we profile the latest drinks and ingredients promising much more than hydration.
Consumers are finding more ways to eat their favorite snacks, as younger shoppers increasingly turn to quick-service restaurants for a convenient option for in-between meal occasions, Circana shared in its annual snack report.
Peanuts are by far the most consumed nut (technically a legume) globally, but a recent shortage has caused concern for manufacturers. How serious is the issue and how long will it last?
During product development, it has been speculated, children can be better judges of what their fellow children will like than adults. A new study puts this to the test.
The dairy major says its snackable yogurt line offers ‘the best of both worlds’ in terms of taste and nutrition and is positioned to appeal to a variety of consumers.
Faba beans are a useful ingredient across a range of foods, although sensory challenges can harm their uptake. A new study explores consumers’ attitudes to faba beans in different forms.
The price of butter has risen steadily in recent years, with a 18.5% year-on-year increase recorded in the EU wholesale market between 2023 and 2024. But why is this happening? And is it a permanent trend?
Brands are getting creative and bringing a sense of fun to their new launches this week. We’ve got a bold pink “Barbiecue” sauce from Heinz and a caramel biscuit twist on a Dutch favourite. Elsewhere there are tea and coffee themed cocktails, peanut butter...
Personalised nutrition has been hailed as the future of effective nutrition. But how do consumers really feel about it? And is it truly the future of healthy eating?
Vanilla is one of the most common flavours for sweet treats around the world. But is the farming of this much-loved spice sustainable? And, if not, should we be consuming it at all?
Ultra-processed food is making headlines. In our rolling coverage of UPF, we unpack the good, the bad, and the confusion around this classification of products. Here’s the latest…
In this week's NPD Trend Tracker, we have a number of new drinks, including probiotic soda, premium mezcal and coffee leaf kombucha. On the food side of things, we have new menus for Subway and Foodhak, as well as crisps design to raise awareness...
Personalised nutrition aims to fulfil the specific health needs of each of its individual customers. But with as many sets of health needs as there are people, how is this done?
The market for functional hydrocolloids used in foods is stabilizing after a “challenging couple of years,” in which supply chain disruptions during the pandemic triggered selective price hikes and a subsequent drop as food manufacturers scaled back purchases,...
Starting a new business is an enormous challenge and takes a huge amount of courage. So what can you do to give yourself the best chance of succeeding?
While there is no indication the world is not about to run out of chocolate any day soon, there are concerns from manufacturers and suppliers that the current high prices and shortage of cocoa beans will push up costs further and, in some cases, restrict...
The consumption of dairy products such as milk, butter and cheese is on the decline. But what’s the reason for this and can the dairy industry turn this trend around?
The yogurt brand aims ‘to inject a sense of fun’ through its latest advertising campaign in the UK as it admits consumers use the dairy staple in unexpected ways.
The rise of extreme weather events across the globe is posing a major threat to food security. So how can we create more resilient supply chains to ensure food supplies in the future?
Personalised nutrition has immense potential for extremely bespoke nutritional benefits to consumers. But for such a niche category, how does a company communicate this potential?
The cost of food and beverages, including essentials such as bread and milk, have been on the rise for some time now. How have these increased costs influenced consumer behaviours?
Whether you’re a start-up or a long-established brand, continued consumer awareness and interest is fundamental to achieving success in the global marketplace. So how can you use social media to do this?
High levels of salt in food is becoming an increasing concern for healthcare professionals and consumers as the dangers of a high-salt diet becomes more widely understood. So how is the food industry tackling this issue?
Sales of plant-based products are “where they are supposed to be” despite a post-pandemic slowdown, but to reinvigorate growth and expand appeal “beyond the hardcore” consumers, stakeholders should adopt a more flexible “piece of the plate” approach and...
Obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring have been attributed to a multitude of factors, including weight and gender, but could diet also play a significant role?
Functional food brands face a range of challenges, from taste to health claims, in order to get their products to appeal to consumers, and educate them about product potential.
UPDATE: TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2024: Cocoa prices continued to rise this week. Earlier today the price of cocoa beans smashed through the $10,000 a ton for the first time in the futures market after posting gains all week - with chocolate makers passing on...
Financial uncertainty has proved to be a major challenge for UK food and drinks manufacturers. But is the government investing in the industry and what more can it do to support them?
We’re getting ready for Easter in this week’s new-product roundup. There’s everything from egg-cellent (not sorry!) mini-egg ice cream to egg-citing (still not sorry!) dairy-free chocolate eggs. There’s also a range of drinks from energy-sparking mixers...
Human activity has significantly altered the freshwater cycle. But is this change reversible, and if not, what does it mean for the future of food and water supplies?
