News & Analysis on Food & Beverage Development & Technology
Chocolate is undergoing a dramatic transformation. From cutting‑edge cocoa‑free innovation to the rise of premium indulgence, discover how makers and brands are reinventing the world’s favourite treat
Three major food and beverage trend battles are set to define 2026, but which will triumph, and which will be left behind?
Opinion
By explicitly cutting off novel foods from use in regulatory sandboxes, the EU is stifling innovation
The act is a mixed bag for novel food risk assessments
Gluten‑free growth is shifting. Discover the sectors surging ahead and the trends transforming the market
Discover how brands are reimagining indulgence and why the sweetest opportunities lie ahead
Companies are aiming to streamline their ingredients lists
From microbiome-first foods to AI-powered diagnostics, discover the innovations shaping the future of wellness
The UK has released its first guidelines on cultivated meat novel food applications
Younger consumers are often more open to new technologies and less sceptical about ultra-processed foods
Discover the trends shaping performance, recovery, and longevity in the next generation of sports nutrition
From nostalgic favourites with a modern twist to wellness-driven indulgence, the flavour revolution is here
Up the food chain
Snack major Pladis is reimagining snacking with a focus on wellness and functionality. The big question: how will this shape NPD for favourites like McVitie’s, BN and Ülker?
As alcohol consumption declines and wellness trends surge, functional non-alcoholic drinks present a lucrative opportunity
The global food and beverage ingredients market is booming. But what are the trends powering industry growth?
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
Alternative proteins have lost a lot of popularity in recent years, and this is reflected in IP activity
Cocoa-free chocolate is reshaping the confectionery landscape. But will consumers buy in?
The ingredients company suggests that its focus on fruit and veg puts it in a prime position to benefit from consumer obsessions with health
Consumer desire for calm, wellness and vitality will affect colour trends in the coming year
The low- and no-alcohol sector is booming, and it’s not just about cutting back - it’s changing how the world celebrates
Manufacturers and retailers are rethinking gluten-free as festive sales soar
The snacking multinational on what its investment arm wants from tech pioneers
Barry Callebaut explores cocoa alternatives amid rising costs and climate pressure
When sustainability wanes, other food tech comes to the fore
From gut-friendly gummies to protein-packed snacks, functional ingredients are transforming everyday food and drink into wellness powerhouses
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
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
The act is expected to streamline regulation in biotechnology
The snacking multinational is dealing with high cocoa prices
Opinion
There are some great plant-based milk and cream cheese alternatives out there, but semi-hard cheeses are tougher to crack. Could fermentation hold the key?
Raw and minimally-processed chocolate is bringing bold flavours, rustic textures, and transparency to the premium confectionery space
Despite the downturn in meat substitutes, the popularity of plant-based protein lives on
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
Halloween is no longer just for kids, it’s a confectionery goldmine
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
CEO Richard Zaltman discusses sustainability, tariffs and the future of food tech
Fibre is no longer just a digestive aid, it’s a driving force in food innovation
Functional bottled water wars continue between US beverage goliaths
Brain food is booming. As consumers seek sharper focus and long-term cognitive health, the food industry is responding with powerful ingredients and smarter nutrition
From creamy milk chocolate to functional dark varieties, the global chocolate market is evolving fast
Scaling and achieving mass market pricing are the next hurdles for Meatly, and cultivated meat as a whole
Start-ups are being subjected to higher, more exacting standards before securing funding
The functional drinks market is booming, with health and wellness powering growth
Video
Food and beverage is ripping up the rule book to innovate for the future
Top trends driving innovation in confectionery include personalisation, premiumisation, and ultra-limited editions