
Battle of the F&B Trends 2026: Contenders Announced
Three major food and beverage trend battles are set to define 2026, but which will triumph, and which will be left behind?
News & Analysis on Food & Beverage Development & Technology

Three major food and beverage trend battles are set to define 2026, but which will triumph, and which will be left behind?

Four trend wars, four surprising winners. Dive into the food and beverage battles that dominated the industry in 2025

Could dark chocolate become the next big anti‑ageing ingredient? New research suggests it might, and the opportunities for brands are huge

Collagen is transforming food, drink and confectionery. Discover why this powerhouse ingredient is set to dominate innovation in 2026

Rumours of a major Barry Callebaut shake‑up are swirling, and the cocoa market could feel the impact

Gluten‑free growth is shifting. Discover the sectors surging ahead and the trends transforming the market

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast
From shifting grocery habits to new product opportunities, Circana’s insights reveal how brands and retailers can adapt to the rise of GLP-1 users

From microbiome-first foods to AI-powered diagnostics, discover the innovations shaping the future of wellness

Mars seals €31bn Kellanova deal after EU approval - what does this mean for snacking’s future?

The innovative gene editing technique can make crops more disease and drought resistant, but faces scepticism from regulators and NGOs

The Council and Parliament have decided to postpone the landmark regulation

New research reveals fruits and vegetables carry high pesticide risk

Chocolate is changing fast - premium indulgence, health-driven treats, and even cocoa-free innovations are rewriting the rulebook

Climate shocks, farmer shortages, and price volatility threaten chocolate’s future, but innovation and sustainability offer a solution

The landmark deforestation regulation is a step closer to being postponed following a vote in European Parliament

The global food and beverage ingredients market is booming. But what are the trends powering industry growth?

Land degradation is one of many threats to agricultural yields globally

New research linking omnipresent emulsifiers to gut damage and obesity is raising tough questions for manufacturers

Nestlé is exploring cutting-edge genomics and sustainable sourcing to safeguard cocoa supplies

The cocoa crisis is forcing chocolate manufacturers to rethink everything - from sourcing and compliance to innovation and consumer trust

Nestlé’s key strategist retires after four decades shaping global growth

Discover the five trends that will define 2026, and why agility, authenticity, and technology will determine who succeeds and who fails

The EU council has backed a year-long delay of the landmark regulation

Nestlé, Ferrero, Mars, Unilever and Kraft Heinz are reshaping the food and beverage landscape with bold M&A moves. But what’s next?

Once the poster child for easy mornings, breakfast cereal has been losing shelf swagger. Now a new wave of innovation, investment and protein-packed reinvention is pushing the category back into the spotlight

Cocoa-free chocolate is reshaping the confectionery landscape. But will consumers buy in?

Despite opposition from key industry players such as Ferrero and Nestlé, a one-year postponement may still take place

Consumer desire for calm, wellness and vitality will affect colour trends in the coming year

Longevity and weight loss are redefining consumer priorities - creating major opportunities for food and beverage

Manufacturers and retailers are rethinking gluten-free as festive sales soar

Inside Nestlé: Rania Abou Samra on crafting the future of food and beverage

Barry Callebaut explores cocoa alternatives amid rising costs and climate pressure

Barry Callebaut’s full-year earnings reveal a sharp drop in volumes but a surge in revenue. What does this mean for the chocolate industry and its customers?

Trendspotting 2026
Forget flavor fatigue – next year will be all about how snacks feel. From crisp layers to creamy centers, texture is fast becoming the biggest lever of indulgence and loyalty

Gluten sensitivity is widespread, but it may not be directly caused by gluten

The company may separate its fashion business from food

Holidays are coming! Discover the confectionery trends driving festive sales in 2025

Travel retail is no longer just about luxury - confectionery is taking off. Discover how Mondelēz is turning airports into brand-building playgrounds

From probiotics to sleep-supporting snacks, discover how the four pillars of gut health are reshaping food and beverage innovation

New research suggests natural sweetener stevioside may help boost hair growth

From Nestlé’s mass layoffs to Kraft Heinz mega demerger, global CPGs are making bold moves to survive shifting consumer demands and financial pressure

A new study suggests palm oil use is not as widespread as previously thought

The CPG giant is adapting products, pack sizes and marketing to place aging consumers, GLP-1 users and Hispanic shoppers at the center of its fiscal 2026 plans

Downstream operators will not be required to submit due diligence statements

Utilising plant-based proteins is vital for Europe’s autonomy as the world becomes more unstable, suggests innovation council head

GLP-1 fuels rapid food and beverage sector growth - but risks and costs mount

Cargill’s Amsterdam facility has a new member that’s turning heads - and maybe wagging a few tails

Discover the top trends set to shape consumer choices and product development

The confectionery market is entering a new growth phase, driven by evolving consumer preferences, seasonal demand, and innovation in non-chocolate formats

A breakthrough in AI forecasting is enabling producers and businesses to insure their commodities based on predicted prices for the first time