The Gen Z Effect: Rewriting the rules of confectionery
From TikTok-fuelled product discovery to the rise of wellness, sustainability and authenticity, Gen Z is redefining what it means to indulge
Markets
Europeans finally care about GLP-1s
Europe’s GLP-1 conversation is taking off. While uptake still trails the US, interest is surging across the continent
Why are European food companies shopping for growth in America?
From snacking to specialty dairy, European buyers are paying a premium for hard-to-build capabilities and immediate entry into the American market
‘Worth it’ replaces ‘more is more’ as indulgence evolves
Confectionery indulgence is shifting from ‘more is more’ to ‘worth it’ as consumers prioritise quality, experience, wellness and sustainability
And so it begins: Pumpkin spice season kicks off with a flurry of products
As the $1.25 billion pumpkin spice market eyes massive growth, top brands are rolling out fresh, better-for-you seasonal snacks to satisfy early consumer cravings
Can processed food exports ease Egypt’s currency crisis?
After weakening by over 82% against the US dollar over the past decade, the Egyptian pound is finally seeing some stability and even significant growth in its food exports
One brand, two companies: Who has control when a brand is licensed?
A licencing agreement can give a certain level of control of a brand to the licensee
Functional drinks boom, but can brands prove they actually work?
Demand for drinks promising everything from gut health to better sleep is soaring, but brands face growing pressure to back up their claims with robust science and regulatory compliance
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast
The future of impulse shopping
Inflation, GLP-1 use and shifting shopping habits are reshaping spontaneous purchases, but not eliminating them, according to NielsenIQ’s Jack O’Leary who explains why digital merchandising, AI, social commerce and faster fulfillment are creating new...
Ferrara gives away Trolli-inspired trainers in bold new launch
Ferrara is turning up the heat with its latest Trolli launch, giving away Jeff Cole-designed trainers inspired by its new gummies
From Mars to Intersnack: Are family dynasties becoming food’s new dealmakers?
As public markets keep discounting listed food companies, family-controlled giants are stepping in with the patience – and the premiums – to buy them
From Nestlé to Mars: Why Big Food is embracing contract manufacturing
Outsourcing becomes a priority as CPGs seek greater flexibility, speed and resilience
How Mondelēz achieved its mid-year wins
The snacking multinational has seen a strong second quarter, returning to volume growth and succeeding in emerging markets
IFT FIRST
Can dairy retain its bioactive benefits without sacrificing food safety?
By preserving naturally occurring milk exosomes that conventional processing often destroys, biotech startup Exosomm says it can help manufacturers deliver clinically relevant bioactive benefits without compromising food safety, shelf life or scalability
Tate & Lyle shareholders vote in favour of £2.7bn Ingredion acquisition
Another stage of the acquisition is now complete, with more to come
Emerging markets save the day for Unilever
Unilever sees modest Foods growth while progressing McCormick combination
6 ways a hotter Europe is transforming food and drink
Climate change is no longer a future threat for Europe’s food and drink. It’s already here, and it’s reshaping the way European food and drink operates
Will coffee prices continue to rise?
A flurry of trading activity has led to a boost in coffee prices
EFSA slashes TFA safety limits amid food contamination concerns
EFSA significantly lowers safe intake level for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a result of “new scientific evidence”
Unilever-McCormick merger: Anti-trust consultation begins
The deal will be scrutinised for its impact on competition
From Three Square Meals to the Snack Universe
The traditional three-meal day falls from favour as consumers choose spontaneous snacking
Gen Alpha and Beta: Confectionery’s next battleground
Freeze-dried sweets, bold flavours, Roblox activations and AI-powered engagement – the forces reshaping confectionery innovation as brands look beyond Gen Z
Aero meets Milkybar as Nestlé bets on brand power
Nestlé combines two iconic brands as collaborations gain traction in confectionery
Confectionery’s innovation dilemma: Doing more with less
Rising costs, changing consumer demands and fast-moving trends are reshaping confectionery innovation. But what does it take to stand out?
Terry Smith accuses Unilever of misleading shareholders
Former Unilever shareholder Terry Smith accuses multinational of misleading investors over planned Foods merger with McCormick
Global dairy’s Big 7 pivot to protein and cheese
In mid 2026, slower milk growth is reshaping production priorities as processors chase stronger returns from cheese, whey and high-value ingredients
Is MSG still controversial?
The scientific consensus around the additive does not reflect common attitudes
Hershey takes Reese’s Pieces into snacking with first new launch in a decade
Hershey has unveiled Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Cookie, marking a bold play in snacking and highlighting a wider industry trend
Hershey’s Hollywood debut: New film brings founder’s legacy to life
Hershey to make big screen debut with biopic on founder Milton Hershey
Why is Big Food booming in emerging markets?
The F&B growth that’s missing in Europe and North America is happening elsewhere
Ingredients revolution: the race to survive climate disruption
As climate risks threaten key crops, food manufacturers are seeking to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on vulnerable commodities
Mondelēz crystal Toblerone marks confectionery marketing shift
Mondelēz and Swarovski’s crystal Toblerone offers glimpse into confectionery’s new marketing style
Barry Callebaut’s strategic reset under Hein Schumacher
Six months in, Hein Schumacher is focused on profitability, discipline and execution, but can he turn stabilisation into sustainable growth?
Reformulation isn’t simply about replacing cocoa
The cocoa crisis has exposed a much bigger challenge for manufacturers – preserving flavour, texture, quality and consumer trust while navigating a volatile ingredient market