Trends

Differences in Arabica coffee beans are due to chromosomal mutations, the study found. Image Source: Getty Images/AnthiaCumming

Coffee’s chromosome mutations: The potential for industry

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Variations in the properties of arabica coffee, such as in taste, caffeine content and disease resistance, are determined by chromosome mutations, according to a recent study. But are these findings purely academic, or relevant to industry? And how could...

Could a plant-based diet prevent chronic diseases in women? GettyImages/Daria Kulkova

Could a plant-based diet prevent chronic diseases in women?

By Donna Eastlake

Plant-based diets are proving hugely popular amongst men and women across the globe, with everything from animal cruelty to environmental impact being cited as the reason. But could the plant-based way of life also prevent against chronic diseases in...

Foodies are falling for luxury butters in a big way. GettyImages-carlosgaw

Foodies are falling for luxury butters in a big way

By Donna Eastlake

Whether you’re spreading it (generously) on a crumpet, making pastry for a pie or baking a cake, butter is a kitchen essential that’s loved by many. But this humble ingredient is having something of a luxury makeover and food lovers are flocking.

When passing its ban on cultivated meat, Italy did not go through the TRIS procedure. Image Source: Getty Images/sergeyryzhov

The future of Italy’s cultivated meat ban

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Last year, Italy attempted to ban cultivated meat production and the marketing of cultivated meat products. However, the law has come into difficulty for its failure to go through the right procedures at EU level.

Industry Insights from NIZO: What is the gut-brain axis and what role does food play in it? GettyImages/inkoly

GUEST ARTICLE

Gut-brain axis on a chip: a faster route to foods that promote brain health

By René Floris, NIZO Food Research Division Manager

The relationship between food and brain health is already being explored, and could soon help accelerate the development of new food products that promote mental wellbeing, according to Dr Kerensa Broersen, associate professor of applied stem cell technologies...

Digital buying is central to how Gen Zers, people born between the mid-to-late 1990s and the early 2010s, are approaching food purchasing. GettyImages/Klaus Vedfelt

‘Glocal’-loving Gen Zers seek brand reliability in 2024

By Natasha Spencer-Joilliffe

Falling into loyalists and reluctants, Generation Z consumers value reliability and brand experience, remaining avid trendwatchers, looking for products on social channels that appeal to their price and quality expectations.

Are red nets an eco-friendly alternative to pesticides? GettyImages/Dougal Waters

Are red nets an eco-friendly alternative to pesticides?

By Donna Eastlake

A recent study has found that red nets are more effective than black or white nets in preventing onion thrips from damaging crops. So, could red nets be the solution environmentalists have been searching for to help reduce agricultural reliance on the...

Image Source: Getty Images/D-Keine

NPD Trend Tracker: From mandarin orange juice to AI-generated recipes

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

In this week's NPD Trend Tracker, we see how high orange juice prices have led to the development of mandarin orange juice, and the rise of generative AI has led to the creation of an AI cookbook. Furthermore, we see a rebranding from Mallow &...

The CSDDD has been postponed. Image Source: Getty Images/Henrik Sorensen

What’s next for the CSDDD after postponement?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

After the announced abstention of Germany and Italy, the vote for a key piece of European due diligence legislation which would have ensured companies, including food companies, root out human rights and environmental abuses from their value chains, has...

Scientists have analysed consumer purchasing behaviours of goods with fair trade and organic labels on their packaging. GettyImages/TommL

Fair trade label retains purchasing power despite recession, study shows

By Natasha Spencer-Joilliffe

Using a combination of social psychology and economic models, a new UK study shows fair trade product sales increased in popularity during an economic downturn while organic product sales dropped, indicating a divide between the two labels’ favourability...

Could low-sugar chocolate actually taste better? GettyImages/Chris Ryan

Could low-sugar chocolate actually taste better?

By Donna Eastlake

Less is apparently more when it comes to the amount of sugar used in the creation of the perfect chocolate bar. So will manufacturers reduce the amount of sugar they use in the making of this sweet treat and will consumers welcome the change?

Is fibre essential for brain health? GettyImages/Fascinadora

Is fibre essential for brain health?

By Donna Eastlake

The importance of dietary fibre for a healthy gut has been hailed for years now. But is it also the secret to a healthy brain?

Is macauba a rainforest-friendly alternative to palm oil? GettyImages/MEDITERRANEAN

Is macauba a rainforest-friendly alternative to palm oil?

By Donna Eastlake

Palm oil is cheap to produce in large quantities but unsustainable production methods, notably deforestation, means the bad can far outweigh the good. As a result, brands are increasingly distancing themselves from the use of irresponsible palm oil in...

Halal certification is important to assure consumers a product really is halal. Image Source: Getty Images/LisaInGlasses

What is required for halal certification?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

With a growing Muslim middle class in countries such as the UK, and even many non-Muslims increasingly buying halal products, halal certification is more important than ever for businesses selling them.

Are preservatives killing good gut bacteria? GettyImages/BDLM

Are preservatives killing good gut bacteria?

By Donna Eastlake

Research from the University of Chicago has found that one of the most widely used food preservatives, nisin, has a damaging effect on the good bacteria in our gut

Cutting carbon emissions in coffee production: ofi sets its sights on a 30% reduction by 2030 GettyImages/Hero Creative

How ofi plans to cut coffee supply chain emissions by 30%

By Donna Eastlake

Ingredients supplier ofi is setting the ambitious target of reducing supply chain carbon emissions for its coffee by 30% by 2030. So how will this be achieved and can other coffee manufacturers follow in their footsteps?

The product is nutritionally similar to gluten-containing wheat flour. Image Source: Ulada/Getty Images

Gluten-free but wheat? Coeliac-safe wheat flour developed in Spain

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Gluten-free substitutes such as rice and corn flour have for decades aimed to take the role of wheat flour in baked goods, so that those with coeliac disease can consume them. Now there is a new substitute: wheat flour itself.

The BTOM will affect GB/EU trade. Image Source: Getty Images/emarto

How will the BTOM impact food imports into Great Britain?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), the first stage of which came into force on 31 January, will have a significant impact on how the EU trades with Great Britain. Over three stages throughout 2024, new checks and declarations will be required for...

GettyImages/Adam Gault

NPD Trend Tracker: The chocolate edition

By Flora Southey

An NPD round-up dedicated to chocolate? Yes please. In this edition you’ll read about a Easter-themed chocolate from Lir and Guinness; a new Aero bar flavour; and a white chocolate ice cream mixed in with ‘Scandinavian mountain cranberries’. Yum.

Quality assessment is an important part of the food production process. Image Source: Getty Images/Monty Rakusen

3 start-ups boosting food quality in Europe

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Food quality technology plays a vital role both in ensuring that food is safe to eat, therefore reducing food waste, and providing insights around its health and composition. Three European start-ups tell FoodNavigator how technology can help them understand...

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