McVitie’s latest global brand to bet on localisation for China growth
McVitie’s is expanding beyond biscuits in China with local-specific snacks, customised flavours and tailored formats
Many big brands from around the world are coming to realise that gaining ground in the coveted China consumer market requires far more than just good products but also localised innovations.
Bakery giant McVitie’s has emerged as the latest in a line of such enlightened food brands, and has opted to develop much more localised products outside of its traditional biscuit portfolio in order to increase its presence in China.
Australia food labelling under scrutiny as FSANZ weighs reforms
FSANZ is consulting on changes to food labelling rules as an investigation into food fraud and misleading labels raises fresh questions about Australia’s food labelling system
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has been consulting on two changes that could affect how food companies manage labelling: a proposed annual commencement date for future labelling changes and mandatory Health Star Ratings (HSR).
The minification of beverages
Drinks are shrinking, but not for the same reasons as food
Mini drinks are on the rise. From elderberry shots to pocket-sized Negronis, brands are shrinking formats. But unlike the trend for downsizing food, fuelled by the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, beverages are becoming smaller for different reasons.
Wellness brands are betting on concentrated shots that fit into busy routines, while alcohol companies are embracing smaller serves that promise taste, experience and convenience.
The new packaging equation: Cost, carbon and compliance
As Extended Producer Responsibility programs expand, companies’ packaging strategies may be evaluated on performance across the entire system instead of one single sustainability metric.
Packaging decisions are becoming more complex as brands navigate EPR laws, climate disclosures and evolving sustainability expectations, according to Tetra Pak executives during a recent Consumer Brands Association webinar.
Plant-based milk brands double down on simplified ingredient lists amid processing scrutiny
As skepticism of processed foods grows, plant-based milk brands embrace simpler recipes
Oat milk brand Planet Oat debuted its Humble Edition Oatmilk formulation as consumers increasingly examine ingredient decks and policymakers target certain food additives, dyes and ultra-processed foods.
The new Humble Edition Oatmilk contains five ingredients: water, oats, banana puree, sea salt and baking soda, and is formulated without oils, gums or added cane sugar, according to the company.
