News & Analysis on Food & Beverage Development & Technology
After a sharp rise in 2025, reported thefts have declined in 2026, but shifting product trends, freight hotspots and evolving fraud tactics continue to challenge CPG supply chains
New research suggests familiar ingredients, minimal processing and shorter ingredient lists could give food brands an opportunity to capture a premium
The final rule gives food and beverage manufacturers greater flexibility to reduce sodium in products ranging from bread rolls and canned tuna to salad dressing and cheese, supporting FDA’s broader sodium-reduction goals
Edward Perotti argues that brands must move beyond predictable colours and seasonal sprinkles if they want their Halloween launches to command attention
Harmony project enters a new era as it becomes an independent certification. But, could it become the new industry standard?
From sensory-driven Creme bars to a Katseye collaboration and Cadbury’s push beyond Easter, Hershey is using products, culture and experiences to make affordable indulgence feel like something more
SciPinion says its new SciBridge Safety Suite can help companies identify and document similarities between new ingredients and substances FDA has previously reviewed, potentially easing pressure on an already resource-constrained agency
Flavors of the future: global inspiration meets local innovation
Demand for protein-forward, reduced-sugar and plant-based indulgence is forcing formulators like Luker Chocolate to balance nutrition claims with the taste and texture consumers expect
Hershey is accelerating product development, expanding into functional snacking and tapping cultural moments beyond major holidays to create more consistent, sustainable growth
August PPI data show relatively little movement in final-demand food prices, but sharp increases in grains, oilseeds, confectionery, diesel and select packaging inputs could put pressure on food and beverage makers in the months ahead
Cadbury and Oreo embrace collaboration trend with Cadbury Delights Oreo launch, but do health claims go a step too far?
The 2026 shortlist of startups take on industry challenges around scalable food waste reduction, nutrition and food safety
Mandatory GRAS notifications could make regulatory risk a bigger factor in fundraising, partnerships and M&A, potentially pushing innovators toward safer bets and away from riskier products
From Fanta’s Haunted Universe and Mountain Dew’s Trolli collaboration to Alani Nu and Reese’s, brands are borrowing scarcity, exclusivity and collectibles to turn seasonal beverages into coveted releases
As tighter SNAP eligibility reduces food-assistance participation, shoppers are shifting toward staples, value brands and lower-priced retailers, which is putting new pressure on grocery sales
Petitions seek approval for safflower yellow, expanded uses for gardenia blue and changes to carrot oil production as food makers move away from synthetic dyes
Tariffs, weight-loss drugs and a more cautious US shopper are pushing the industry’s biggest names to chase growth in India, Latin America and Southeast Asia instead
Hershey’s stepping up its premium ambitions with elevated products, strategic acquisitions and a growing focus on affordable indulgence
From a small-town America to the world’s biggest confectionery company, Mars mark 115 years of family ownership and industry influence
Natural dyes require more than reformulation because supply chains must evolve too
Confectionery giant targets growth with 2026 Christmas confectionery range
Nestlé’s chocolate factory closure could be a sign of what’s to come for global confectionery production, as manufacturers prioritise scale, flexibility and efficiency
Snacks are the biggest beneficiary of Hollywood-powered marketing, with 60% of consumers noticing brand collabs “often or always” and 68% saying they’ve purchased a co-branded or special edition product
Outsourcing becomes a priority as CPGs seek greater flexibility, speed and resilience
The snacking multinational has seen a strong second quarter, returning to volume growth and succeeding in emerging markets
Like other major FMCGs, the biggest growth for Mondelēz is outside developed markets
Are AI carts helping brands sell more products, or are they helping shoppers become smarter, more value conscious buyers?
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast
J&J Snack Foods says the answer lies in evolving heritage brands and products but not the emotional experiences consumers associate with them
As SNAP enrollment shrinks, retailers rethink value, convenience and e-commerce
The confectionery giant is producing Halloween candy in the spring and bringing products to shelves in summer as consumers increasingly treat Halloween as a multi-month occasion
Nestlé delivers stronger organic growth and improving volumes in H1 2026, but net profit falls 31.4%
Lindt’s share price slides as investors question strength of chocolate maker’s premium pricing power
World’s biggest chocolate producer weighs in on cocoa market concerns as UN issues El Niño warning
Lindt brings Dubai chocolate trend to ice cream as confectionery brands continue to diversify