The wellness industry is booming, with health and fitness trends becoming popular amongst consumers and profitable for brands. But do consumers trust the ‘better-for-you’ marketing printed on the products they buy?
The fishing industry has come under increasing criticism for its unsustainable practices. So how is the industry addressing this issue and is it enough?
Chocolate is a favored ingredient in everything from cakes to donuts – and even in sweets snacks like energy bars and popcorn – so bakers are undoubtedly feeling the impact of rising cocoa prices.
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?
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.
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.
Adding probiotics, protein and fibre and removing sugar and animal ingredients mean 2024 is set to be the year of better-for-you confectionery. Here are the functional features disrupting the industry
Colour plays a key role in how consumers see products. Should plant-based companies use red to evoke flavour, or green to evoke sustainability, with their offerings?
Sweet butter is creating a ‘new standard’ for the category, we’re told. And that’s not the only sweet NPD for the month. What’s the latest in sweet (and savoury) innovations?
With Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics just weeks away, Europe is gearing up for a spectacular summer of sport. But how do major sporting events impact food and beverage trends and how does the industry get involved?
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?
Regenerative agriculture has gained widespread attention in recent years as manufacturers and consumers grow to fully understand its importance. But how are farmers approaching it and what challenges are they facing?
Two former Google researchers, who helped write the algorithm for trendspotting using queries from the search engine, are using their knowhow to empower product developers to create the must-have meals and breakout beverages of the future with the expansion...
CPG brands are retooling its marketing strategies as younger consumers shift more of their spending to social-media platforms like TikTok, Kenny Juskowiak, managing director of emerging brands for NIQ, shared during a recent webinar.
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?
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?
As the UK’s latest inflation levels show sugar and confectionery prices remain high—a fate mirrored in Europe—F&B makers are turning to other ingredients to remain competitive at the checkouts.
As the older demographic increases and live longer, their need for functional snacks is inevitably growing, while the younger generations have wholeheartedly embraced the concept of healthy aging.
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.
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...
Increased production costs, regulatory changes and consumer uncertainty have put pressure on the food and beverage industry in recent years, but could we be seeing the first signs of recovery?
USDA Certified Organic has taken a defensive position in recent years against the proliferation of eco-claims, many of which are not as comprehensive, clearly defined or held as rigorously accountable, but which nonetheless influence consumers’ purchase...
With packaging as diverse and innovative as the sweet treats it houses, 2024 sees brands accelerate their environmental, visual and technological know-how
Amid soaring prices and deforestation regulations, chocolate manufacturers may well be tempted to turn their back on cocoa. What alternatives are on offer?
From data to legislation, advertising is changing. This provides challenges for food companies but, with their abundance of first-hand consumer data, opportunities as well.
Despite the cost-of-living squeeze, private label versions of chocolate are not flying of the shelves. Why aren’t consumers keen on the private label option?
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?
This week’s NPD Trend Tracker has a distinctly summer vibe. There are Bakewell-Tart inspired biscuits to accompany afternoon tea in the garden, alcohol-free sparkling rosé to sip while the sun sets, then animal-free burgers for the barbecue, a hot and...
The meat and dairy alternative markets are bifurcating as some consumers seek premium products, including whole cuts, while others make their own plant-based dishes to save money, Miri Eliyahu, senior research analyst at Euromonitor, told FoodNavigator-USA.
Sales of plant-based products dipped slightly in 2023 from the prior year as prices rose to offset inflation at a faster rate than their animal counterparts in some – but not all – categories, according to new data from the Plant Based Foods Association....
With reported ingredient shortages and price rises across the food and beverage industry, it appears the almond industry is bucking the trend, with prices at an 'all-time-low' with supply exceeding demand.
Despite a range of benefits, insect protein has faced strong barriers to adoption. This is largely due to consumer disgust, but some demographics are more put off than others.
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?
The world’s top orange production regions are struggling: putting pressure on the global supply of oranges for the juice industry. Beverage brands are finding innovative ways to deal with high costs and shortages.
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.
Plant-based pioneer Beyond Meat has seen further declines in revenue, and is scaling down its operations. However, the Beyond Burger maker remains ‘bullish’ in some areas, including the European market.
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...
First there was inflation, then there was shrinkflation, next came heatflation, now there’s sogflation. But what is sogflation and how is it impacting the food industry?