Market trends

Is seasonal eating making a comeback? GettyImages/alle12

Is seasonal eating making a comeback?

By Donna Eastlake

From Egyptian potatoes to Mexican strawberries, the European food system operates on a whatever you want, whenever you want it, basis. But are consumers turning away from international imports and instead embracing local produce?

How much influence does Instagram have on vegan consumption habits? Image Source: Getty Images/Tim Robberts

Does #vegan mean vegan?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

How closely do Instagram posts using the hashtag ‘vegan’ influence the consumption habits of those engaging with them offline?

Cheese toasties have grown in popularity during 2023 as consumers sought out tastier meals that were easy to prepare. Image: Getty/LauriPatterson

Hybrid working is fuelling demand for cheese toasties

By Teodora Lyubomirova

British consumers persisted with dairy purchases during a turbulent 2023 despite price rises across many of the core categories, with cheese in particular remaining a dinner staple.

There are still barriers to full adoption of plant-based. Image Source: Getty Images/coldsnowstorm

How will policy in Europe affect plant-based?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

A diverse range of businesses, academics and activists have supported a transition to plant-based protein. But in Europe, politics, and political will, still provide a barrier.

Could the food industry develop luxury brands? Image Source: Getty Images/Lena_Zajchikova

How can luxury food brands succeed?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

While luxury brands in beverage have been highly successful, luxury food brands are, as of yet, less prominent. What foods have the potential to be luxurious?

Pic: getty/liudmilachernetska

Do soda taxes reduce childhood obesity?

By Rachel Arthur

The potential of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes to tackle childhood obesity has been a key rationale for their introduction. How effective are they?

Fava beans can grow in Europe, but several problems remain. Image Source: Getty Images/MEDITERRANEAN

Can fava beans grow in Europe?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Fava beans are a leading crop used for alternative protein products. They can also be grown in Europe, making for simpler supply chains. But what issues are producers contending with?

Has the plant-based trend peaked? GettyImages/ArtMarie

Has the plant-based trend peaked?

By Donna Eastlake

The plant-based trend has been on the up and up in recent years. But has it finally peaked and, if yes, can the plant-based industry do anything to prevent a decline?

Understanding the Autoimmune Protocol diet. GettyImages/Hispanolistic

Understanding the Autoimmune Protocol diet

By Donna Eastlake

Health trends are huge at the moment, with new diets and ‘superfoods’ popping up on an almost weekly basis. Enter the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet.

Tech is helping transform bakery and snack businesses. Pic: GettyImages

What advances is AI making in bakery and snacks?

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

Hint: The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is less to do with glossy marketing campaigns and packaging visuals and more about uncovering the mystery of algorithms and getting a better handle on supply chain data.

Eco-friendly food colouring: How one company is cutting carbon. GettyImages/coldsnowstorm

Eco-friendly food colouring: How one company is cutting carbon

By Donna Eastlake

The food industry is coming under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and find more sustainable ways to operate. Food colouring manufacturer Exberry tells us how it's cutting carbon intensity, and improving water efficiency, for greener...

Biscuits are big business and a favourite consumer snack choice. Pic:getty/gingagi

What’s next in biscuits?

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

Exciting trends to watch emerge as the much-loved treats evolve to match environmental and health-led consumer demands.

Consumer trust in the food industry is declining, why? GettyImages/Drazen Zigic

Trust in food industry declining

By Donna Eastlake

As consumers become increasingly engaged in understanding the contents of the foods they’re consuming, it appears that trust in the food industry is plummeting. But can that trust be restored?

How do consumers understand 'gut health'? Image Source: Getty Images/RealPeopleGroup

How do consumers perceive ‘gut health’ products?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Products targeting ‘gut health’ have a range of benefits, yet these are not always clear in marketing. How do consumers understand gut health, and is this understanding congruent with reality?

Tea prices are rising for a range of reasons. Image Source: Getty Images/imv

Why is the price of tea going up?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Like many other commodities, tea is increasing in price. This is due to instability: instability in the climate and instability in the world of geopolitics.

Image Source: Getty Images/John M Lund Photography Inc

NPD Trend Tracker: From plant-based ice-cream to gluten-free fast food

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

On our NPD Trend Tracker this week, we have a range of new products from big brands; new flavours from Kettle Chips, plant-based thighs from This, plant-based ice cream from Flora Professional, and a gluten free range from Leon. We also have a collaboration...

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