As consumers become increasingly engaged in understanding the contents of the foods they’re consuming, it appears that trust in the food industry is plummeting. But can that trust be restored?
This week’s NPD Trend Tracker has a distinctly summer vibe. There are Bakewell-Tart inspired biscuits to accompany afternoon tea in the garden, alcohol-free sparkling rosé to sip while the sun sets, then animal-free burgers for the barbecue, a hot and...
The meat and dairy alternative markets are bifurcating as some consumers seek premium products, including whole cuts, while others make their own plant-based dishes to save money, Miri Eliyahu, senior research analyst at Euromonitor, told FoodNavigator-USA.
Sales of plant-based products dipped slightly in 2023 from the prior year as prices rose to offset inflation at a faster rate than their animal counterparts in some – but not all – categories, according to new data from the Plant Based Foods Association....
With reported ingredient shortages and price rises across the food and beverage industry, it appears the almond industry is bucking the trend, with prices at an 'all-time-low' with supply exceeding demand.
Despite a range of benefits, insect protein has faced strong barriers to adoption. This is largely due to consumer disgust, but some demographics are more put off than others.
Products targeting ‘gut health’ have a range of benefits, yet these are not always clear in marketing. How do consumers understand gut health, and is this understanding congruent with reality?
The world’s top orange production regions are struggling: putting pressure on the global supply of oranges for the juice industry. Beverage brands are finding innovative ways to deal with high costs and shortages.
Like many other commodities, tea is increasing in price. This is due to instability: instability in the climate and instability in the world of geopolitics.
Plant-based pioneer Beyond Meat has seen further declines in revenue, and is scaling down its operations. However, the Beyond Burger maker remains ‘bullish’ in some areas, including the European market.
On our NPD Trend Tracker this week, we have a range of new products from big brands; new flavours from Kettle Chips, plant-based thighs from This, plant-based ice cream from Flora Professional, and a gluten free range from Leon. We also have a collaboration...
First there was inflation, then there was shrinkflation, next came heatflation, now there’s sogflation. But what is sogflation and how is it impacting the food industry?
As ageing population numbers rise in Europe, an opportunity is opening in food and beverage. How can industry best tap into the ‘healthy longevity’ trend?
Prebiotics are a unique part of the gut health trend. How are prebiotics used in food and how is regulation impacting the sector? The so-called Father of Prebiotics weighs in.
From the antioxidant effects of blueberries to the cholesterol lowering effects of chia seeds, consumers love so-called superfoods. So could kelp seaweed join the superfood family as a favourite of the wellness world?
With an ageing population and youth reluctance forcing up the average age of farmers in Europe, how can they be incentivised to stay in a physically demanding job for longer?
Prebiotics and probiotics are practically celebrities in the world of gut health, but have you heard of postbiotics? This lesser-known friend of pre and pro is quickly climbing the gut-health charts.
The past decade has seen seismic shifts in the economic, environmental, political and technological landscapes. But how are these and other influences affecting the food and beverage industry?
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,...
