Markets

The future of food: Welcome to 2036

With AI automation, the rise of personalised nutrition and a looming climate crisis, food could look radically different in 2036

ABP agrees to buy Pilgrim’s Europe’s lamb operations

Meat processor ABP has announced the proposed acquisition of Pilgrim’s Europe’s lamb business.

Pringles prices: Who’s paying through the tube?

A new index comparing Pringles across 30 markets reveals hefty price gaps

Once Upon A Farm recall raises wider questions about toddler snack safety

The children’s nutrition company faces financial exposure and scrutiny of its growth strategy, while the recall of Tractor Wheels raises safety questions beyond the affected range

Can Diageo’s price cuts and restructure get it back on track?

Efforts to make its brands more competitive on price have helped drive volume growth across several markets. But with North America still struggling, can CEO Dave Lewis deliver a lasting recovery?

Affordability, health and trust: What the midterms signal for food manufacturers

As Democrats take Congress, food companies face a new competitive advantage: trust

Food and beverage heading for a skills crisis

An ageing workforce, poor industry visibility, and a major skills disparity is putting food and beverage at risk

Diageo’s drastic cuts lead to unexpected growth

Diageo’s drastic cuts to both staff and prices appear to have paid short-term dividends after posting an unexpected rise in Q1 sales.

Democrats face grocery affordability test as one-third of shoppers cut meals

As Democrats prepare to take control of Congress, new dunnhumby research shows mounting financial pressure is changing how Americans eat and shop

FN+Kraft Heinz to sell North American coffee business for $650M

One Rock will acquire brands including Maxwell House and Gevalia, while Kraft Heinz retains a 30% stake and signals possible price increases in 2027

FN+How are GLP-1 users redefining indulgence?

As use of weight-loss medications grows, research points to changing consumer preferences and spending patterns, creating opportunities for food brands to rethink indulgence with healthier ingredients, new formats and better-for-you benefits

Are mystery flavours just a one-pack wonder?

Brands are asking shoppers to pay for a secret, but the real test is whether the product still sells once the answer’s out

FN+Barry Callebaut plots comeback after profits tumble

Falling profits and shifting customer relationships raise concerns for the world’s biggest cocoa and chocolate supplier. But signs of recovery are starting to emerge

Catastrophe trends: How companies and consumers are protecting themselves from supply-chain shocks

With supply chain instability rampant, consumers and companies alike are aiming to reduce their exposure

FN+Protein in Asia: Where food brands can find growth

Asian consumers are seeking protein for health needs in many formats, and food brands must seize their opportunities wisely

General Mills taps Dunkin’ and Ziploc to refresh cereal mainstays

Coffee-inspired flavors and resealable Cheerios bags bring the company’s push for product and packaging innovation to the cereal aisle

FN+SNAP food and drink restrictions expand, pressuring CPG sales

Four more states are restricting SNAP purchases of select foods and beverages, adding to a growing patchwork of rules as early sales data points to declines in targeted categories and manufacturers assess the potential impact on demand

Cheese and yoghurt drive UK dairy growth as health and protein trends gain momentum

Health credentials, protein content and convenience are proving a winning combination for UK consumers of cow dairy, according to the AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board).

FN+India Focus: Amul dairy ranking, Smöoy feature and energy drinks

Amul dairy ranking, Smöoy feature and energy drinks feature in this edition of India Focus

How major F&B firms are applying healthy longevity in product innovation

From building gut microbiome databases to designing personalized nutrition, major food and beverage companies Nestle, Charoen Pokphand Foods and Calbee are innovating with healthy longevity in mind.

FN+Hershey hopes Halloween candy can ward off declining volume fears

Hershey beat third-quarter earnings estimates, but declining candy volumes and consumer spending pressures have the chocolate maker counting on a last-minute Halloween shopping surge to bolster sales

New cocoa powder alternative targets GLP-1 trends and supply risks

Planet A Foods’ Cocoa Booster can replace up to 100% of cocoa powder in select applications, as manufacturers face cocoa price volatility and changing consumer demand amid rising GLP-1 use

Beyond candy: Halloween displays expand across store aisles

From Summerween to Día de Muertos, retailers are using longer Halloween selling windows to build cross-category displays and diversify treat assortments adding a layer of convenience for shoppers

New Hope taps Norwegian Red genetics for China’s premium milk market

China’s New Hope Dairy is using Norwegian Red cattle genetics to differentiate its premium milk range, in a partnership with Norwegian breeding company Geno

Dairy Farmers of America closes in on Nestlé in global dairy rankings

The US dairy cooperative could take the No. 2 spot with a small acquisition, RaboResearch says, as M&A reshapes the world’s largest dairy companies

Danone delivers a strong Q3 performance

All three business divisions are up, boosted by the protein boom and price increases

Debunking snacking as we know it

Europe’s snack market expands from €187bn to €302bn in sales value when products beyond the traditional snack aisle are included, challenging manufacturers to rethink where growth will come from

APAC Agri-Food Innovation Summit 2026

Japan-Singapore MOU: Targeting climate-resilient food supplies

Japan and Singapore will expand food-tech cooperation to address climate change and food-supply challenges, with an MOU announcement scheduled for October 29

FN+Coca-Cola Co’s growth strategy delivered in Q3, but can it last?

Strong volume and organic revenue gains underscore the potential of Coca-Cola’s pricing, marketing and innovation strategies, but rising costs and shifting consumer priorities could challenge its momentum next year

Kinder catches Halloween fever in Ferrero first

Chocolate maker launches first-ever Kinder Halloween range as children and adults embrace spooky season

Dairy farmers press Congress on Milk from Family Dairies Act

The bill would link dairy production to domestic demand to stabilize farmer income; opponents say it would restrict growth and raise grocery costs

WK Kellogg bets on nutrition and schools to revitalize cereal

As cereal sales come under pressure, the company is reformulating iconic brands with more protein and fiber and less sugar while introducing school-focused products designed to win over the next generation of eaters

Seafood industry backs Trump seafood strategy but raises questions on ‘US-Caught’ label

FDA tackles seafood origin labeling amid push to boost US fishing industry

The psychology of making snacks worth buying

Anticipation, ritual and a sense of reward give manufacturers ways to build demand beyond launching another flavour

Lindt chairman rules out resignation following shock CEO exit

Ernst Tanner on Adalbert Lechner’s ousting, Lindt’s long-term strategy, and his own future plans

Soup-To-Nuts podcast

Are CPG founders of color being undervalued?

New data from :INCLUDED shows 61% of reporting member brands generate more annual revenue than the total capital they have raised, highlighting the capital efficiency of entrepreneurs of color — and the persistent funding and networking gaps that limit...

FN+Beyond cocoa: The race to futureproof chocolate

The future of chocolate depends on manufacturers having more options

Middle East Focus: Gluten-free, local soft drinks and halal rules

Gluten-free, local soft drinks and halal rules feature in this edition of Middle East Focus

Chocolake targets APAC markets as Dubai chocolate trend endures

Jordan’s Chocolake is targeting APAC expansion as the Dubai chocolate trend continues to drive interest in premium chocolate

FN+UPF labeling could cost $14.2bn annually, study estimates

A University of Chicago-affiliated analysis estimates mandatory ultra-processed food labeling could affect 72% of packaged food products, while the Consumer Brands Association warns of additional costs, potential litigation and uncertain public-health...

FN+Nestlé factory closure signals new era of industry consolidation

Food and beverage giant to close major US facility as efficiency drive reshapes manufacturing network

Seafood shoppers want proof in sustainability claims, not promises

Seafood sustainability is an expectation for a growing number of shoppers, while verification becomes a key differentiator amid greenwashing claims

Kroger bets on lower prices and simpler deals to drive growth

The grocer’s growth strategy also calls for 110 new stores, an expanded private label lineup and more prepared meals as it seeks to attract shoppers

FN+Chocolate has a new problem. And it’s not cocoa prices

Rising temperatures are hitting chocolate demand, forcing manufacturers to rethink products, formats and sales strategies

Allplants sold to French food manufacturer

The plant-based ready meals business has been acquired by an historical French manufacturer.

FN+UPF classification doesn’t tell the whole story about nutrition, study reveals

Analysis by IFIC and NIQ of more than 40,000 US grocery products finds nutrient density varies widely among ultra-processed foods, raising questions about the relationship between processing, nutritional quality and affordability

FN+M&M’s at 85: How Mars built a billion-dollar confectionery icon

From flavour innovation to space exploration, M&M’s has spent 85 years securing its place in confectionery history

FN+4 strategies Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Spindrift and others are using to revitalize RTD tea

As US bottled and canned tea sales struggle, Coca-Cola’s reformulated Gold Peak Zero Sugar tea and new launches from PepsiCo, Ryl Tea, Spindrift and others show how brands are reigniting demand for ready-to-drink tea

FN+Forget breakfast: The battle for the morning snack is on

Consumers are increasingly turning to morning snacks for energy, focus and satiety, creating a fast-growing opportunity for food and beverage brands

Letter From The Editor

Dairy’s fight for growth and shelf space

From high-protein products and café-inspired creamers to AI-powered market insights, dairy brands are finding new ways to meet consumer demand and win shelf space