Market trends

A scientist uses AI at the Nestlé Institute of Agricultural Sciences. Image: Nestlé

Smart technology

Five ways AI is transforming the confectionery sector

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

With AI at the helm, the confectionery industry is entering a new era of innovation and efficiency, transforming everything from product creation to personalized marketing strategies. Here's how

What can predict a food's palatability? Image Source: Getty Images/Peter Dazeley

Can food palatability be predicted?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

How can you tell a food is palatable? New research uses three metrics – HFSS, UPF and HPF – to test whether palatability can be predicted.

Eco-labelling can create a halo effect around a product. Image Source: Getty Images/imamember

Does Eco-Score create a halo effect?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Eco-Score aims to inform consumers about the environmental impact of a product. But can it positively influence their perceptions in other areas? In other words, does it create a halo effect?

Health and sustainability are key priorities for generation alpha. Image: Getty/ insta_photos

Six things generation alpha consumers want

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe & Jess Spiring

As today’s teenagers become more financially independent, what do manufacturers need to know about their preferences and priorities?

Smart packaging that fights food waste. GettyImages/nadia_bormotova

Smart packaging that fights food waste

By Donna Eastlake

Packaging that lowers food waste? It seems too good to be true but scientists say it’s possible, in fact, it already exists!

Could a keto diet boost brain health? GettyImages/bit245

Could a keto diet boost brain health?

By Donna Eastlake

The keto diet has been linked to multiple health benefits, including lowered blood pressure and reduced blood sugar. Now scientists believe it could aid brain health.

The company aims to develop a raw egg for retail. Image Source: Getty Images/vikif

Plant-based egg separates yolk and white

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Already producing a plant-based egg alternative with separated yolk and white, Neggst plans to develop a raw egg for retail which may, eventually, have a shell.

Taking the consumer pulse in the current biotics market

Taking the consumer pulse in the current biotics market

By Asia Sherman

At the recent IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas event in Salt Lake City, market research firm FMCG Gurus presented the current biotics landscape, painting a picture of a consumer base focused on day-to-day needs and value for money.

How brands are capitalising on gut health. GettyImages/PeopleImages

How brands are capitalising on gut health

By Donna Eastlake

Gut health is proving to be hugely popular with consumers and enormously profitable for food and beverage manufacturers. In financial terms, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Manufacturers of dark chocolate may be more able to pass price rises on to consumers. Image: Getty/ Alvarez

How manufacturers can survive the cocoa crisis

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe & Jess Spiring

Soaring costs and a dwindling supply of cocoa mean innovation and creativity are essential for chocolatiers who hope to weather the supply storm

Baked snacks, such as baked crisps, are prevalent in the snacks market. Image Source: Getty Images/ugurhan

How healthy are baked snacks?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Baked snacks, from baked fruit to baked crisps, are a key part of modern snacking. But how healthy are they, really?

How winemakers are innovating with blueberries. GettyImages/anutr tosirikul

Making wine from… blueberries?

By Donna Eastlake

Winemakers are getting more creative and consumers more adventurous, so are we looking at the next big beverage trend?

Soybean prices are falling. Image Source: Getty Images/Drs Producoes

Why are soybean prices falling?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Despite challenges from regulation and climate, soybean prices have spent the last year falling. What accounts for this?

Image: Lakrids by Bülow

Back to black: Why licorice is having a renaissance

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe and Jess Spiring

From ancient medicine, to modern European delicacy, licorice is finally going global. Here’s what you need to know about confectionery’s black gold

Plant-based toxins pose danger to health. GettyImages/Tara Moore

Plant-based toxins pose danger to health

By Donna Eastlake

Plant toxins have always existed in plant foods but their potential health implications remain relatively unknown to consumers. Why?

Pic: GettyImages/etiennevos

Rising above with NPD: The new dough-mains of healthier bread

By Gill Hyslop

The humble staple has been a part of the fabric of life since the Neolithic era, rising to an everyday essential during the 19th Century with the advent of industrial milling processes. Fast forward a century and it was unfairly tarred with negative health...

Eco-labels make good sense, but working in isolation they won't save the planet from the climate crisis. GettyImages/zoranm

Why eco-labelling won’t save the planet

By Flora Southey

Not even the innovators themselves are backing on-pack carbon footprint labelling to save the planet from rising global temperatures. Here's why.

What flavors are trending? Pic: getty/debbielewisharrison

The top five flavor trends for summer 2024

By Rachel Arthur

Ready for a spicy tamarind mangorita? Or excited about a parmesan espresso martini? Diageo highlights the top flavor trends it’s watching this summer.

How engaged are consumers on sustainability? GettyImages/Dougal Waters

How engaged are consumers on food sustainability?

By Donna Eastlake

The food industry is under mounting pressure, from governments and environmental organisations, to improve its sustainability credentials. But how engaged are consumers when it comes to matters of food sustainability?

Image Source: Getty Images/urbazon

NPD Trend Tracker: Euros 2024 edition

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

This month, the Euros 2024 are kicking off. In this week's NPD Trend Tracker, we feature a range of products that put convenience front-of-mind – a perfect complement to the event!

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