SIGEP World 2025: Six standout trends from the show
Innovation is taking centre stage at the Italian food and beverage show, proving the industry is on the up and embracing change. Here are FoodNavigator’s top standout trends from the show floor.
Food safety & quality
Caffeine and alcohol affects sleep quality, even when you may not realise it
The two substances may seem like polar opposites, but both damage the quality of your night’s slumber.
Dire costs: Germany must contain foot-and-mouth disease
The recent case of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany could have wide-ranging implications.
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?
Kraft Heinz lands global packaging innovation challenge
Rethinking Materials and Kraft Heinz are challenging start-ups worldwide to develop new and more sustainable packaging.
Obesity ‘nuance’ vital as experts diminish BMI’s accuracy
Global health experts have called into question the accuracy of obesity figures, claiming BMI is not a good enough measure
Lion’s Mane set to be roaring success in food
The mushroom is a popular supplement. But what uses does it have in food?
Bird flu fight: ‘A step along the line to panic taken’
Europe’s food and farming sectors must strengthen their pathogen safety and communication protocols against H5N1.
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.
Top innovation trends shaping future of food and beverage
New report sheds light on the future of the food and beverage industry. We look at the science shaping the industry.
Which GLP-1 drugs are on the market?
The drugs have taken the world by storm. Which ones are available now?
New diabetes figures raise questions over HFSS regulations
Will new figures, highlighting links between sugar-sweetened drinks and diabetes, push governments to move further on sugar reduction regulations?
Opinion
Gluten-free trend is back but manufacturers aren’t tapping into the hype
The gluten-free market is going from strength-to-strength. We look at how industry can get involved in this growing trend.
How do GLP-1 drugs work?
There may be more to the landmark drugs than just supressing appetite.
Could caffeine consumption cut cancer risk?
New study links popular stimulant to reduced risk of head and neck cancers. What does this mean for food and beverage brands?
High alert: Bird flu cases rise in Europe with bigger hikes in US
Avian influenza cases have ramped up across Europe and the United States, putting farmers and manufacturers on high alert.
GLP-1 compatible food labels launched by giant as ‘industry first’
Highlighting that a product is compatible with the diets of consumers using GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, will become a bigger need, according to this food giant.
Are gluten-free products unhealthy?
Gluten-free is gaining popularity. But the sector has recently received criticism for being unhealthy. So, are the rumours true, and what can industry do about it?
Are consumers really being “unknowingly poisoned” by seed oils?
Seed oils have come under fire from consumers and self-styled health experts, but what does the research say?
Does processing reduce nutrients in plant-based milks?
There could be nutritional downsides to plant-based milks, a new study suggests.
Why the food industry wants salt reduction
A range of companies within food and beverage want to reduce salt and sodium. What’s driving this trend?
Are diet drinks damaging to gut health?
The diet drinks industry is booming, but could links to gut damage threaten its success?
Is potassium a good alternative to sodium in salt?
Potassium is one of the most popular replacements for sodium in salt. But it may not be free of downsides.
High-fructose corn syrup linked to cancer growth
HFCS is fundamental to current food and beverage production, but could new research linking it to cancer growth change that.
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?
Guest Article
Improving mouthfeel of plant-based foods
Achieving good texture in plant-based products is an ongoing battle for the industry. So, what can be done to improve this vital element of consumer satisfaction?
Is government HFSS obsession unhealthy?
HFSS cuts have been high on government healthcare agendas for years now. But is the rush to reformulate doing more harm than good?
Cheapflation: How this economic phenomenon is impacting F&B
Cheapflation is having a major impact on consumer and manufacturer behaviour. So what is it and how long will it last?
Are GLP-1 drugs driving the fortification trend?
Users of weight loss drugs like Ozempic often need more nutritionally dense food as a result. Is the market supplying it?
Why was the UN plastic pollution treaty postponed?
Talks in South Korea to develop an international framework on plastic pollution were pushed to next year. Why?
Could seaweed be a natural substitute to controversial additive Bovaer?
Dairy manufacturer Arla Foods has faced severe backlash over its use of methane-cutting supplement Bovaer. But could seaweed offer a sustainable alternative?
DSM-Firmenich calls out ‘misinformation’ over Arla Foods backlash
Dutch multinational DSM-Firmenich has pulled no punches in its response to backlash over Arla Foods' use of methane-cutting additive Bovaer.
How F&B is getting creative with salt reduction
Europe-wide salt reduction regulations have pushed food and bev makers to innovate since 2007. So, how is industry cutting salt and what NPD is emerging?
Major NPD opportunities in intermittent fasting
Fasting diets are creating huge NPD opportunities in food and beverage. So, how can brands get involved and what’s next for this mega trend?
Front-of-pack labelling ‘must be mandatory’ urges sector head
Governments must work harder to push food and drink manufacturers to reduce sugar in their products and enforce front-of-pack labelling on the sector.
How microplastics affect gut health
How, and why, do microplastics alter the microbiome?
Raft of expensive food labelling requirements could hit sector
The European Commission is expected to favour a series of new food labelling recommendations set to pile additional costs onto food and drink makers.
What’s wrong with Europe’s novel food approval system?
The novel foods approval system has evolved since its birth near three decades ago, but has it progressed enough to meet the needs of a growing and innovation-heavy food and drink sector?
Are there hidden dangers to fortification?
Fortification is fast becoming the go-to for F&B brands looking to boost the health benefits of products. But could this actually have the opposite effect?
Saccharin daily intake threshold almost doubles post EFSA review
Safe daily intake limits for saccharin have been almost doubled by the European Food Safety Authority following a new review on the sweetener.
Insect protein buzz waning as patents slow
Insect protein’s predicted take off has been less than a flutter as market innovation stagnates, with worldwide patents sliding year-on-year again.
EU-wide ban on aloe vera preparations in food overturned
A three-and-a-half year legal war, fought by the supplement and natural food sectors, has resulted in a damaging ruling being overturned.
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?
Protein Vision 2024
5 must know plant-based meat trends
Meat alternatives are back in growth, with recent Europe-wide data showing the category has rinsed away its droop and is ticking up. But what at are the factors behind this early-stage turnaround?
Why biodiversity is vital to food security
Biodiversity makes soil function effectively, pollinates plants and ensures the functioning of the food system. But what's being done to support biodiversity and is it too little too late?
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.
Deadly: New Bird Flu variant strength alarming industry
Death rates of 100% are leaving farmers and manufacturers concerned about the new Bird Flu strain.
Protein Vision 2024
Protein Vision 2024: Big name speakers reveal inside story
Quorn, Redefine Meat, THIS, La Vie and Rude Health are among the high-profile brands providing their valuable market intelligence at this year’s Protein Vision digital event.
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?
Food industry attacked as ‘accountability’ taxes called for
Food manufacturers could be bound by a list of measures compiled in a bid to better regulate and hold industry accountable for unhealthy products and their consequences to consumer health.