Why the EU still restricts ‘probiotics’ claims
A recent ruling confirms the EU’s stance on the use of the word ‘probiotics’ on packaging. Why is the term still restricted?
Beverage
Are non-alcoholic beverages falling short on flavour?
Non-alcoholic beverages have been billed as the perfect teetotal alternative to their alcoholic counterparts. But are they failing the flavour test? And what does this mean for the industry?
Could morning coffee reduce cardiovascular risk?
Drinking coffee may be good for cardiovascular health, a new study suggests. But only if consumed in the morning.
Why did the EU ban BPA?
The chemical has spent a long time in the spotlight over its potential harm to health, so why has it been banned now?
How brands are successfully navigating the decline in alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption has been on a global decline for decades. So how is industry adapting to this change and what does the future hold for the alcoholic beverage industry?
Are diet drinks damaging to gut health?
The diet drinks industry is booming, but could links to gut damage threaten its success?
Could GLP-1 drugs curb alcohol consumption?
The weight-loss properties of GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, have dominated headlines. But could they also cut alcohol consumption? And what would this mean for beverage manufacturers?
CCEP readies big NPD launches and capacity investment for 2025
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has exclusively revealed a glut of global NPD will land in 2025, supported by line investment at several sites.
The food and drink categories ripe for M&A activity in 2025
Which of Europe’s food and beverage categories will likely see the most merger and acquisitions in 2025? Two experts give their thoughts.
Red tape won’t put UK businesses off EU food and drink imports
UK businesses dependent on EU food and drink imports will put up with additional Brexit red tape to ensure continued supplies, with many set to increase imports
NPD Trend Tracker: Beverage special
From whiskey to kombucha to hot chocolate, this week’s NPD will warm your insides with a selection of new beverages.
Manufacturing investments: Coca-Cola, Heineken, PepsiCo and more
From renewable energy to R&D, big players have been making big investments over the last few weeks
NPD Trend Tracker: From functional drinks to brand redesigns
This week, two brands are revamping their identity. Plus, we have two functional drinks launches, and an old coffee brand venturing into the flavoured category.
Why understanding allergens should be top priority for F&B manufacturers
Undeclared allergens in food and beverage products can be deadly. So why are allergen-related recalls still happening? What is industry doing to prevent them? And what NPD opportunities are being missed?
NPD Trend Tracker: From Royal whisky to festive fun
Discover the latest innovations from the world of food and beverage.
Trump's trade tariffs could drive EU businesses to set up US sites
The US’s trade policies could have worldwide implications, not least on the European food and beverage sector which could be better off setting up shop in America.
Top tips to successfully market your brand
Marketing can be complex, time consuming and costly. We run down the top tips and tricks to successfully market a food and drink brand on a tight budget.
Customer innovation driving Tate & Lyle volume growth in strong H1 financials
Tate & Lyle has returned to volume growth in the first six months of its financial year, but revenues are down and predicted to be lower still at year end.
UPF debate not black and white
There's a lot more to the UPF debate than just 'good' foods and 'bad' foods. We dive into the great UPF debate to discover more.
Would consumers pay more for animal welfare?
A study of Swiss consumers of milk and butter explored whether they would accept increased prices if it meant better lives for dairy cows.
CCEP boasts ‘solid year’ in strong €5.4bn Q3 results
Summer revenues for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners were stung by poor weather, though Euro football and the Paris Olympics contributed towards what is shaping up to be a “solid year” for the group.
NPD Trend Tracker: From Tate Modern beer to Lebanese delicacies
This week, we have a range of French, Lebanese and British treats. Plus, a beer collaborates with an art gallery, and a chewing gum brand expands to France.
Start-up pitch
How Fabas Foods is making alt dairy nutritious and sustainable
Alt dairy is proving to be one of the great plant-based success stories. But associations to UPF and questions over sustainability are holding it back. Fabas Foods believes it has the solution.
Top global food & drink manufacturing CEOs – who holds the power?
Food and drink manufacturing CEOs are notoriously competitive, keeping their strategies and tactics close to their chests. But who is in charge of the top food and drink businesses and what have they been doing?
Consumer confidence crash hitting F&B brands hardest
Consumer confidence is crashing as financial pressures fail to ease, but what does that mean for food and beverage?
Can plant-based overcome UPF links to avoid future trust issues?
Plant-based diets remain popular, but associations with UPF and low-quality ingredients has shaken consumer trust in alt meat, fish and dairy brands. So, what can the sector do to restore public opinion?
Silver economy: Ultimate growth market sparking NPD in F&B
The ageing population is growing fast, leading to a flurry of NPD, as F&B brands innovate to cater to this growing consumer group.
How to identify and engage with your target market
Creating and building brand awareness, with potential customers, is essential to success. Here’s how to recognise and connect with your target market.
The US spent €1.5bn more on EU food imports and here’s why
The US has bolstered agri-food imports, making it the largest value increase of all nations buying in EU produce. China, however, reduced value imports more than any other nation.
NOVA reform: The flawed UPF classification system requires change
Some nutritious foods under the current NOVA system could be demonised alongside unhealthy variants. Industry's calling for reform, but what would the next generation look like?
Innovation watch: Spotted at SIAL 2024
Edible cutlery, reimagined sushi, and vitamin-enriched cheese are just a handful of exciting food and drink innovations entering the market.
NPD Trend Tracker: Winter drinks special
Discover the latest festive, warming and wintry innovations from the world of beverages are here.
Unilever and Danone volumes up and beat Q3 financial expectations
Powerhouses Unilever and Danone have outpaced third-quarter financial forecasts, a result of increased volume sales, and in contrast to competitor Nestlé’s downgrade earlier this month.
EUDR delay: The winners and losers
The proposed EUDR delay could be a relief for many if approved, but its mooting has also been controversial. Who are the winners and losers of the delay?
Intermittent fasting could prevent diabetes – How can F&B help?
Diet is a leading cause of type 2 diabetes. Is intermittent fasting the solution? And what can the food and beverage industry do to engage with it?
Growing functional food and beverage trend is an industry goldmine
Brands are reformulating to create functional foods and beverages, catering to everything from gut health to improved sleep. So, how is the sector evolving to meet consumer demand?
Personalised diet breakthrough signals future of industry
New gut health research could be beneficial to personalised nutrition brands fighting for consumer interest.
Replacing oils and fats with water: Deep-tech start-up secures €4.2m
Healthier food-tech business MicroLub, which uses tech to replace fats and oils with water – while claiming sensory retention – has closed a €4.2 seed investment round to commercialise.
Private label grows again – why brands should be worried
Private label FMCG is growing again and taking territory from big brands. But this wasn’t always the case. So, how is the category winning the battle for consumer attention?
Can coffee consumption during pregnancy affect development?
It is far from conclusive whether or not coffee consumption during pregnancy can hinder neurodevelopment among children. But a new study dives deeper.
Conflicting caffeine research confuses consumers
Caffeine’s effect on vascular health has been a hot topic for years, with researchers putting forward positive and negative arguments. Now, a new study is adding to the conversation. But what's the truth?
EUDR extension greenlit by European Council as 200 NGOs call for go-ahead
The European Council has greenlit the Commission’s proposals to delay EUDR by 12 months, despite protests from hundreds of environmental and other groups calling for its immediate implementation.
Nestlé cuts profit predictions amid weak market and board reshuffle
Nestlé is making senior leadership and operational changes as the global food behemoth trims its full-year sales forecast again due to a weak market.
Gut health: What’s next for this major F&B trend?
Consumer demand for ‘gut-friendly’ foods and beverages is growing fast, and industry is innovating just as quickly to meet it. So, what’s next for this seemingly unstoppable trend?
Revealed: the drivers set to boost Veganuary 2025's sales
The Veganuary movement is rocketing, gaining power and influence. It has become a staple across Europe, so how will brands drive Veganuary 2025 sales to new heights?
NPD Trend Tracker: From festive treats to spooky spirits
Discover the latest innovations from the world of food and beverages.
EUDR: Answering the key questions
On the day the Commission announced it was advising a delay to EUDR, new FAQs were released to provide further clarity on the regulation.
Reformulation is rife in F&B but consumers aren't sold yet
Brands are reformulating to improve nutritional value and reduce or remove ‘unhealthy’ ingredient levels. But this is not always a vote winner with customers. Why?
Supplementary drink that combats effects of alcohol targets European growth
Hangover cure? Apparently so as one US start-up claims the consequences of a heavy night could be resigned to the past for Europeans, should the brand debut on this side of the pond.
UPF linked to type 2 diabetes - what does this mean for industry?
New research has linked ultra-processed foods to type 2 diabetes. How will this latest blow impact the food and beverage industry and is reformulation the only solution?