‘Fricy’: why it’s the hottest flavour trend of summer 2026
The trend taps into adventurous palates and flavour science, making it a must-watch opportunity for F&B
Beverage
Private equity tightens hold on Big Food
Private equity is reshaping food and beverage, but rising costs raise questions over just how far it can go
Former Nestlé CEO in legal dispute with Swiss food giant following sacking
Former Nestlé chief executive officer, Laurent Freixe, is challenging his dismissal in a dispute over lost bonuses and shares
UK consumers drinking habits change as heatwave drives hydration trend
The heatwave ravaging western Europe has seen temperatures hit unprecedented highs in the UK, France and Spain
Nestlé combines comms and ESG in strategic leadership shift
Nestlé promotes Antonia Wanner to chief communications and sustainability officer, signalling sharper focus on credibility and long-term growth
GLP-1 drugs aren’t killing confectionery – they’re reinventing it
GLP-1 drugs are changing how consumers snack, but confectionery sales remain strong and new opportunities are opening up
Mars’ artificial-dye-free push hits major reformulation hurdles
Mars to introduce artificial-colour-free M&M’s but reformulation challenges leave two colours out in the cold
Creatine storms functional drinks but can it really deliver?
As formulators race to stabilise creatine for RTD formats, the ingredient is moving beyond sports nutrition into mainstream wellness, yet evidence gaps and dosing challenges could shape its true potential
Döhler commits to cocoa‑free future with Nukoko acquisition
Döhler’s acquisition of Nukoko highlights cocoa-free chocolate’s move into the mainstream
Lindt hits 100% cocoa milestone amid Big Confectionery sustainability drive
Lindt hits 100% certified cocoa as Big Confectionery shifts focus to responsible sourcing
Nestlé Waters sale tested as buyers weigh risks
As scandals mount and strategy shifts, the industry is watching to see whether Nestlé opts for a full or partial exit from Waters
Clear whey drives functional drinks boom amid tightening WPI supply
Active consumers want high-protein drinks that are both nutritious and refreshing. Clear whey has become a key ingredient for such formulations
Nestlé USA eliminates artificial colors as part of broader reformulation overhaul
While Nestlé has reached this particular milestone ahead of schedule, it positions the achievement as one step in a longer-term strategy focused on cleaner labels, product innovation and greater consumer trust
Can Ebola disrupt coffee prices and stocks?
The border closure between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised concerns over potential disruption to coffee trade - but is there a risk to global coffee prices?
Monster chases global energy drink growth with Coca-Cola distribution muscle
Monster executives say the company still has a long runway outside the US as it rolls out market-specific products, affordable brands and female-focused lines such as FLRT, while international sales climb to 45% of revenue
Coca-Cola navigates K-shaped economy with AI
President and CFO John Murphy says the company is moving beyond a pre-COVID volume mindset to stay relevant with both premium and value shoppers
Nestlé’s global footprint extends reach of startup Helaina’s protein
The partnership is a crucial milestone toward meeting infants’ nutritional needs in larger populations given Nestlé’s global footprint that would be difficult for the startup to achieve independently
Unilever CEO defends $40bn McCormick megamerger
Unilever stands by $40bn McCormick deal as scrutiny grows over whether streamlining will strengthen the group or weaken it
Opinion
Hershey’s next move: Rebuilding trust after cocoa cuts controversy
Hershey cut cocoa and stirred up a crisis. A viral takedown from the Reese heir has exposed a deeper clash over taste, trust and the cost of cheapening chocolate
Nestlé snaps up smart food brand Yfood
The first acquisition under new CEO Philipp Navratil comes just two months after Danone announced its acquisition of Huel
Nestlé doubles down on growth in bold strategy shift
Nestlé resets growth strategy with shift away from price hikes and back towards volumes, brands and execution
Top tips to avoid trade mark infringement at the 2026 World Cup
Even social media is a danger zone... avoid an own goal with advice from top IP firm, Withers & Rogers
Barry Callebaut sharpens strategy amid cocoa volatility
Barry Callebaut shifts strategy with new Focus for Growth plan
Mars doubles down on premiumisation to drive growth
Mars is ramping up its premium strategy as demand for high-quality indulgence accelerates
Nestlé Waters crisis deepens as new footage exposes scale of alleged plastic dumping
Nestlé Waters under mounting pressure over alleged plastic dumping and water contamination
Which brands could Nestlé axe next?
Nestlé wants to become a leaner business. As it weighs its priorities, could brands like Coffee Mate and Carnation become dispensable?
Is hojicha the next flavour megatrend?
Is hojicha quietly positioning itself as matcha’s successor? From drinks to desserts, this green tea is gaining momentum and the industry is taking notice
The world’s top alcohol brands
Kantar BrandZ reveals which brands dominate the global beverage alcohol market
Danone’s €1bn Huel bid sparks competition scrutiny
Danone’s €1bn bid for Huel faces CMA scrutiny, highlighting rising regulatory pressures on Big Food
Does cultivated coffee have a future?
With pressure on conventional coffee production, coffee grown in a lab is one alternative that could ease demand
Unilever McCormick deal under pressure as backlash builds
Unilever’s $40bn Foods deal with McCormick is facing mounting backlash as questions over strategy and valuation put the deal under pressure
Where brands should focus their AI strategy now
AI’s real value may lie in helping consumers choose – not discover
Why coffee is make-or-break for alt dairy
To appeal to coffee aficionados, alt dairy brands must prove barista-level functionality, compete on taste and flavour innovation, and look beyond sustainability
Is Heineken close to finding its next CEO?
Dolf van den Brink will leave at the end of the month: with no replacement or interim CEO appointed
The functional beverage checklist
From flavour and functionality to fun: here are the five crucial areas every functional beverage must address
Nestlé Waters sites raided over alleged “deceit”
Nestlé Waters sites raided in France amid fraud claims
Why Guinness is bucking all the trends in alcohol
The stout continues to see viral popularity despite alcohol’s decline
Sweeteners back in the spotlight as scientists probe liver disease risks
Once hailed as a reformulation fix, sweeteners are now facing growing scientific scrutiny
Mars powers production growth with $253.6m smart factory investment
Mars bets on smart manufacturing, using £190m UK factory upgrade to boost output and strengthen grip on global confectionery and snacking market
Big Food’s leadership crisis: Why CEOs are falling faster than ever
C-suite exits are mounting across Big Food, but behind the scandals lies a deeper performance and innovation problem
Unilever shaken by investor exit as McCormick deal unsettles shareholders
Unilever’s $40bn Foods merger with McCormick is facing mounting backlash, as shares slide and investors divest
Can coffee weather the storm?
Extreme climate events are now a huge challenge for the coffee industry.
5 ingredients for upcycling in food production
Side streams and waste streams are often versatile and multi-purpose
Big Food splits: Smart move or strategic misstep?
Big Food’s biggest names are betting on splits, but market reactions show investors aren’t convinced. So when does breaking up actually make sense?
New beverage launches: Mid-strength spirits, Pink Lady tie-up and more…
Mid-strength spirits, functional hydration and heritage all play a role in this week’s beverage NPD round-up
Beyond Meat prepares for drinks launch as losses begin to slow
Sales continue to fall, particularly in foodservice, but the company sees some signs of recovery
TikTok-fuelled food shortages: How industry can respond
TikTok-led demand for products like ube and pistachio is straining global supply
Excess sells - so why are manufacturers holding back?
From freakshakes to functional chocolate, ‘more is more’ is supercharging foodservice sales, but manufacturers continue to play it safe
Instant coffee now included in EUDR
And a ‘no-risk’ benchmarking category is off the table
Rethinking the coffee replacement
Coffee alternatives are rising not as replacements, but as functional upgrades