
3 key lessons for food brands targeting the ‘Future Consumer’
The ‘Future Consumer’ is here, and food brands need to stay ahead of their evolving tastes and expectations to survive in the long run
News & Analysis on Food & Beverage Development & Technology

The ‘Future Consumer’ is here, and food brands need to stay ahead of their evolving tastes and expectations to survive in the long run

From megamergers to shocking splits, Big Food is reshaping itself at breakneck speed. So, who’s next?

New product development
From seasonal confectionery to flavour‑led snacks, major brands are leaning into consumer demand for affordable indulgence, familiarity and novelty

Nestlé’s new sustainability partnerships could redefine regenerative agriculture for the wider industry

Berkshire Hathaway’s move to exit sends shockwaves through industry - what does it mean for the future of Big Food?

After years of testing AI checkouts and new store designs, Amazon is walking back its physical grocery ambitions to refocus on Whole Foods and experimental formats

The Middle Eastern food industry is booming, with billions of dollars of growth expected over the next decade

New research links common preservatives to higher risks of cancer and type 2 diabetes. What does this mean for clean label trends and the future of food innovation?

British infant hospitalised after consuming recalled Nestlé formula – key questions about the contamination risk remain unanswered

After the collapse of a major merger, Kraft Heinz plans to split into two companies. Will this bold move unlock growth or expose new risks?

For fifty years, key nutrients and ingredients such as protein, zinc, magnesium, and iron have been declining

Nestlé’s global infant formula recall sparks safety concerns and transparency backlash – can the food giant restore trust?

From Indonesia’s all-out halal regulations to sodium policies spurring rapid reformulation and taxation changes affecting food company strategies, these are five regulatory and policy updates that are expected to have a major impact on the F&B sector in 2026

Cycle‑syncing nutrition is exploding, and brands are betting big. Is this the next major wave in women’s health?

Nestlé faces global scrutiny as infant formula recall widens over contamination fears

From autonomous R&D to real‑time supply chain resilience, AI is redefining the rules of food and beverage. Is industry ready for the next era?

The UK’s HFSS ad restrictions are now live – forcing many producers to rethink how they stay visible, relevant and competitive

Big Food is reshaping itself at record speed - from megadeals to dramatic divestments, here’s what’s driving the next wave of M&A in 2026

Is it time to bring MSG out of the shadows? Inside the brand leading a bold rethink of one of food’s most misunderstood ingredients.

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

The Kraft Heinz Company names Steve Cahillane as chief executive officer

Opinion
Food and beverage brands can no longer ignore the ultra-processed food problem. It’s time to lean in

Precision fermentation and ingredient diversification could provide answers for struggling food companies

Exclusive data analysis carried out by FutureBridge on behalf of Food Manufacture has identified the top 100 hottest food and drink start-ups worldwide.

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

Ultra-processed diets aren’t equally dominant worldwide - but in some countries, they’re rising fast

They could be the latest classic food brands to be offloaded by the CPG major

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 Lancet’s latest series linking ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to harm across multiple organs has reignited debate over their role in public health

The landmark study series is the biggest blow yet to UPFs

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

A wide-ranging study from The Lancet is the most damning blow to ultra-processed foods yet

As sustainable ingredients gain traction, we explore the trends driving their development

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

A limited-edition line of collectible cans and a national sweepstakes helped Campbell’s connect with fans across generations while showcasing the power of gaming partnerships

The standard includes ingredient criteria and processing intensity that align with nutrition research and food system realities

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

How does a food business that’s synonymous with sides and sauces move to the centre of plate?

Philipp Navratil is shaking things up at Nestlé, but can he restore the company’s fortunes and inject much-needed growth?

NAD⁺ is emerging as a key ingredient in the longevity space. Discover the science, product potential, and formulation challenges shaping this fast-growing category

An ingredient supplier and a world-renowned restaurant - two traditionally separate players in the food supply chain - are joining forces in an unexpected collaboration

Despite the downturn in meat substitutes, the popularity of plant-based protein lives on

Nestlé is cutting 7% of its workforce. Is this bold move a reset or a risk?

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

Ultra-processed foods could soon be immediately recognisable front-of-pack

Fibre is no longer just a digestive aid, it’s a driving force in food innovation

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

The discovery of ‘nutritional dark matter’ is unlocking new paths for smarter food innovation, targeted health benefits, and precision nutrition

Princes Group considering LSE IPO to supercharge growth and global expansion