Barry Callebaut returns to growth after two-year slump
Barry Callebaut posts first quarterly volume growth in two years, amid ongoing weakness in the global chocolate market
Ingredients
The rise and rise of precision-fermented lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is breaking into the mainstream as precision fermentation makes the ‘miracle molecule’ scalable, animal-free and more affordable
The alt cocoa boom: Big Chocolate’s new obsession
Volatile cocoa markets and growing supply concerns fuel the rise of alt cocoa as manufacturers fight to futureproof chocolate
Private-equity firm acquires $1.6 billion Irca as Dubai chocolate trend fuels growth
The Italian baking, chocolate and ice cream ingredients maker will focus on M&A, supply chain optimization and international expansion
Function beats fame: why big food brands are losing their edge
Consumers want their problems solved and that’s how brands can grow
Creatine storms functional drinks but can it really deliver?
As formulators race to stabilise creatine for RTD formats, the ingredient is moving beyond sports nutrition into mainstream wellness, yet evidence gaps and dosing challenges could shape its true potential
PepsiCo, Danone & Nestlé: how AI is powering F&B growth
AI is transforming how F&B giants cut costs, boost efficiency and innovate faster — turning data into a powerful competitive edge
Clear whey drives functional drinks boom amid tightening WPI supply
Active consumers want high-protein drinks that are both nutritious and refreshing. Clear whey has become a key ingredient for such formulations
Heatwave winners and losers: what’s selling when temperatures rise?
Clear food and beverage trends emerge during a heatwave
Wegovy oral GLP-1 approved for use in the UK
The Wegovy semaglutide pill will be available for private prescription in the coming weeks
GLP‑1 is no longer just a weight‑loss story – it’s a full‑scale reset for food & beverage
Emerging research suggests GLP-1 drugs could move beyond diabetes and metabolic health to treat multiple diseases, meaning millions more consumers will rethink how – and what – they eat
Taste still rules, but may no longer be enough to win in the snack aisle
New Circana data shows consumers increasingly expect functional benefits alongside flavor, driving a shift from ‘better-for-you’ to ‘nutritious and delicious’ snacks, like those showcased at Sweets & Snacks Expo by Barebells, Belle’s Gourmet Popcorn and...
Why dairy giants see growth in meal replacement brands
Danone, Nestlé and Lactalis have all jumped onto the ‘smart food’ bandwagon via bolt-on acquisitions. Why is the segment so strategically important?
Monster chases global energy drink growth with Coca-Cola distribution muscle
Monster executives say the company still has a long runway outside the US as it rolls out market-specific products, affordable brands and female-focused lines such as FLRT, while international sales climb to 45% of revenue
Tate & Lyle agrees £2.7bn takeover by Ingredion
The deal between the two ingredients companies creates a global powerhouse
How sustainability is becoming ice cream’s next growth ingredient
Premium indulgence and snacking are driving momentum at ice cream major Froneri – and sustainability is underpinning both trends
Coca-Cola navigates K-shaped economy with AI
President and CFO John Murphy says the company is moving beyond a pre-COVID volume mindset to stay relevant with both premium and value shoppers
Nestlé’s global footprint extends reach of startup Helaina’s protein
The partnership is a crucial milestone toward meeting infants’ nutritional needs in larger populations given Nestlé’s global footprint that would be difficult for the startup to achieve independently
Ingredion acquires upcycled prebiotic fiber amid $3.7 billion Tate & Lyle bid
Upcycled carrot prebiotic aligns with the company’s push into health-focused ingredients
Up the food chain
Mondelēz International R&D VP Ian Noble: Food must innovate or decline
The snacking giant’s innovation lead talks sustainability, the future of cocoa and his love of ‘how things work’
How Lactalis’ Protein Works deal sharpens its active nutrition focus
Lifestyle nutrition has become a major CPG bet – and dairy’s richest player just took a slice
Nestlé snaps up smart food brand Yfood
The first acquisition under new CEO Philipp Navratil comes just two months after Danone announced its acquisition of Huel
Opinion
How the Arla–DMK merger will strengthen Europe’s whey power
With Arla and DMK merged, Europe’s whey processing power will be even more formidable
Unleashing nutrient potential: Why the food matrix matters for bioavailability
The food sector must understand how nutrients are absorbed if it is to produce products that fulfil their health potential
IFF sells bulk of food ingredients business to refocus on health and wellness
The global ingredient supplier’s deal reflects a broader trend of how companies are streamlining their businesses to meet shifting health and wellness preferences
Confectionery trends: Balancing better-for-you trends and indulgence
Cargill joins alternative chocolate race with Barry Callebaut and Nestlé amid cocoa volatility
By upcycling grape seeds, Cargill’s new NextCoa offers CPG brands a vegan, allergen-free option as major manufacturers hedge against soaring cocoa costs
Does cultivated coffee have a future?
With pressure on conventional coffee production, coffee grown in a lab is one alternative that could ease demand
Unilever McCormick deal under pressure as backlash builds
Unilever’s $40bn Foods deal with McCormick is facing mounting backlash as questions over strategy and valuation put the deal under pressure
The F&B jobs AI is targeting, but is it really that dire?
AI is accelerating reformulation, automation and data-led decision making at a pace that is already reshaping roles across the food and drink workforce
Can renewable energy make food production easier?
In Iceland, geothermal energy powers the food sector
Added fibre: Why fortification is harder than it looks
Adding fibre to foods and beverages could help close the ‘fibre gap’, but reformulation challenges threaten taste and texture
GLP-1s and anhedonia: the death of dopamine snacking
The emergence of ‘Ozempic personality’ is intensifying questions about how GLP-1s are changing cravings, impulse eating and reward-seeking behaviour
AgNavigator: same agtech backbone, bigger industry picture
William Reed, publisher of FoodNavigator, has unveiled a new title for its market-leading agtech and agrifood title
Sweeteners back in the spotlight as scientists probe liver disease risks
Once hailed as a reformulation fix, sweeteners are now facing growing scientific scrutiny
Functional boom reshapes health as supplements hold firm
As food, drink and supplements converge, brands that prove real benefits and earn trust will win in a fast-expanding, scrutiny-heavy health market
Mars powers production growth with $253.6m smart factory investment
Mars bets on smart manufacturing, using £190m UK factory upgrade to boost output and strengthen grip on global confectionery and snacking market
Can coffee weather the storm?
Extreme climate events are now a huge challenge for the coffee industry.
From cereulide to botulism: Exposing the fault lines in infant nutrition safety
From recalled product remaining on shelves to weak marketing guidance, regulatory gaps across infant nutrition remain stark
Mainstream chocolate sales take a hit, super-premium punches back
Super-premium chocolate is gaining share and recruiting new buyers, signaling a shift toward fewer, higher-value indulgences
The ‘warming’ buzz for alcohol-free booze is finally cracked
Industry players, academics and researchers have cracked the code for better tasting alcohol-free drinks - in different ways
Letter from the editor
Sustainability at a crossroads
From upcycling to carbon-neutral claims, the food industry weighs real progress against rising costs, scrutiny and skepticism