California’s non-UPF label – a first in the nation – is poised to reshape how food companies market healthier products, but the law’s passage arrives amid growing debate over ultra-processed foods and how those claims should be certified
Barry Callebaut is refocusing its growth strategy around premium gourmet chocolate, specialty ingredients and solutions-led partnerships as it works to restore service levels, regain market share and improve profitability following operational challenges and cocoa market volatility. CEO Hein Schumacher says the company’s Focus for Growth plan prioritises 10 key markets, innovation and higher-margin categories to drive sustainable long-term growth.
As climate change threatens cocoa supplies, scientists, farmers and chocolate giants are betting on biodiversity, pollination and regenerative farming. But is the industry moving fast enough to protect future yields?
Nestlé spotlighted partnerships across the dairy value chain as a key strategy for expanding regenerative agriculture and reducing emissions during Climate Week in New York City earlier this week.
As high-protein products saturate the market, Oatly is turning to fibre. The company says low fibre intake presents a bigger consumer health opportunity.
Rising demand for protein-fortified foods is tightening whey protein supplies and pushing up dairy prices. Can global milk production keep pace with the protein boom?
Chobani says demand for high-protein, natural foods continues to accelerate, with yogurt and RTD coffee driving growth as the company expands manufacturing capacity.
Conagra’s analysis of AI queries suggests shoppers are asking for snacks that meet specific needs. What does the evidence reveal about discovery and sales?
Rising feed costs, fertiliser uncertainty and strong demand for dairy protein are reshaping global dairy markets. Experts warn that constraints upstream could keep dairy prices elevated for longer than expected.
Underinvestment and slow progress in electrolyzer technology are limiting green hydrogen production, delaying low-carbon fertilisers and slowing agriculture's sustainability transition.
Nestlé Russia vows to continue operations after Kremlin seizure of assets, as the Swiss food giant assesses its options and analysts warn of broader risks for foreign businesses.
What formulation challenges face plant-based meat and dairy? Both have come a long way since their early days, but creating meatlike and dairy-like products without animal-based ingredients is often challenging, and replicating successes on a commercial scale poses its own difficulties.
A study in semi-professional female soccer players found that four months of DHA and whey protein supplementation increased the HS-Omega-3 Index from 5.3% to 9.1% and was associated with changes in erythrocyte membranes, potentially supporting red blood cell deformability, microvascular perfusion, tissue oxygenation and endurance. While sprint, jump and anaerobic threshold performance did not significantly improve and menstrual symptoms remained unchanged, the findings highlight a potential role for omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, oxygen transport, erythrocyte function and endurance performance in female athletes.
Protein, whole milk and value-added products such as lactose-free, ultra-filtered and A2 milk are powering US dairy growth. Explore the latest consumer and retail trends shaping the category.
The European Union has laid out how it plans to encourage innovation in food and agriculture; to make funding and regulatory approval easier, and to boost technology uptake for farmers.
Kremlin places Nestlé’s Russian business under temporary administration, prompting Swiss food and beverage giant to assess its options and legal rights.
Alternative proteins have struggled to meet investor expectations due to taste, texture and affordability challenges. But growing investment in fermentation technologies suggests parts of the sector may still have strong commercial potential.
New Bain research shows shoppers increasingly see health and sustainability as connected, with many willing to pay more for products offering both benefits.
The gut health trend is everywhere. But when consumers see the 'gut health' label, what do they actually expect from it? How has this changed over time?
The sweetener market is evolving as manufacturers balance sugar reduction targets, health concerns, consumer preferences, regulatory pressures and new ingredient innovation.
Climate change can affect the food system from farm to fork. From pressures on crop yields to the costs of storage, transportation disruptions to high retail prices leading to low consumer confidence, the impact of a warmer climate is seen throughout the supply chain.
Yara has launched Europe’s largest industrial carbon-capture facility at its Sluiskil ammonia and fertiliser plant, aiming to capture and store up to 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually and reduce the carbon footprint of fertiliser production. The project demonstrates that large-scale decarbonisation of ammonia production is technically possible, but its commercial success depends on whether customers are willing to pay a premium for lower-carbon fertiliser products in price-sensitive markets. The initiative is a test case for building low-carbon value chains in agriculture and industry, with European policymakers highlighting its importance for climate goals and industrial competitiveness.
Once Upon a Farm sees more categories, higher household penetration, expanded assortment and continued cooler growth as key ingredients in building a childhood nutrition platform and eventually a $1 billion brand, the company shared during its first appearance at the Barclays 19th Annual Global Consumer Conference.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and collaborators have found that biological indicators such as microbial biomass, microbial necromass, and enzyme activity can provide early signals of improved soil carbon storage from regenerative farming practices, years before traditional soil carbon tests can detect changes. Their study in loblolly pine and pecan agroforestry systems showed that these microbial metrics are closely linked to the soil carbon cycle, with microbial necromass being especially important for long-term carbon storage. The research highlights how different agroforestry systems and management practices influence these biological proxies, and suggests that minimum tillage remains effective for soil carbon accumulation. This approach could enable faster assessment and refinement of regenerative agriculture strategies by offering earlier evidence of soil health improvements.
August PPI data show food prices holding steady, but grains, oilseeds, packaging, diesel and freight costs are rising, creating potential margin pressure for CPG food and beverage companies.
Private label’s transition from a generic staple to rivalling national brand aligns with broader consumer preferences towards premium wellness products according to Spins data.
Big Food is undergoing a major transformation as rising costs, private label growth, shifting consumer demand and investor pressure force companies to rethink portfolios, leadership and growth strategies.
Products with the sweetener allulose face a wave of lawsuits challenging “zero sugar” and “sugar free” claims, following a key Seventh Circuit ruling involving Chobani.
Foremost Farms, one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the US, is planning to shut a major facility amid a fundamental restructuring of American dairy processing.
Private label does not perform well everywhere. Penetration is high in Europe, for example, especially in Spain and the Netherlands. The US is lagging behind but catching up, while emerging markets usually see quite low private label penetration. Why?
Nestlé has agreed to sell its mainstream Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements portfolio to Yellow Wood Partners in a $1bn deal, as the food giant sharpens its focus on premium, science-led nutrition brands.
Ireland has its sights on Asia's growing premium nutrition market, positioning its grass-fed dairy credentials to meet rising demand for quality dairy products
Chobani’s $1.2 billion investment will convert a former KDP production facility that initially manufactured La Colombe products into a milk production plant as part of Chobani's multi-billion dollar manufacturing network expansion across the US.
The US shift away from synthetic food dyes could increase demand for natural colors by up to 500%, exposing major supply, cost and reformulation challenges.
Nestlé retains its crown as the world's most valuable food brand in 2026, while Lay's holds second place despite a significant valuation gap. Yili, Doritos and Lindt post strong gains, while Tyson records the biggest decline among the top 10 food brands.
The PPWR, which is enforceable from 12 August, introduces limits on the amount of PFAS that can be present in packaging. How can manufacturers ensure that these limits are adhered to?
A federal judge dismissed most of Ben & Jerry’s lawsuit accusing Unilever of interfering with its social mission and board, while preserving payment and governance claims.
As veganism declines and plant-based brands struggle, could the solution be to stop marketing products as vegan? Taste, health and value may hold the key to the future success of animal-free food.
Many consumers still care about sustainability, especially in areas such as packaging and locality. However, taste and affordability often overshadow sustainability concerns, with consumers prioritising immediate needs over abstract ideals.
Side-effects from GLP-1 use, such as acute pancreatitis, blindness and even death, have been reported widely since the drugs became popular. But could consumer concern around these drugs reduce uptake, and therefore act as a respite for the food industry, which is under pressure to respond to the changes the drugs are creating?
Lightweighting and recycled-content gains helped PepsiCo reduce its plastic footprint, but the company says circular packaging depends on the systems that support it.
Investors in Europe are increasingly backing livestock climate technologies that reduce emissions and improve farm economics, with significant funding going to solutions like EcoNomad’s BioNomad® system for small farms, methane-reducing feed additives from companies like Volta Greentech, and animal monitoring tools such as Hoofcount’s automated dairy footbath. These innovations address rising energy and fertiliser costs, stricter regulations, and animal welfare concerns, while initiatives like the EU-funded Rumen-Innovate project signal growing momentum in microbiome science for methane reduction. Collectively, these developments mark the rise of a distinct investment category focused on emissions reduction, animal health, and farm resource efficiency in the livestock sector.
Nestlé is developing products tailored to GLP-1 users, using AI and nutritional science to address challenges including muscle loss, dehydration and rebound hunger, as the food giant positions itself for the growing weight-loss drug market.
Louis Dreyfus Company launches a purified pea protein isolate to eliminate sensory off-notes in high-protein drinks, sodas and weight-loss companion products.
The future of frozen treats may depend less on convincing consumers to view these desserts as a health food and more on helping them find products that fit the occasion they already have in mind.
Private label is shedding its budget image as retailers invest in premium ingredients, innovation and branding. Discover how premium own-label products are reshaping consumer perceptions, driving growth across food and beverage categories, and challenging established brands for shopper loyalty.
The future of sustainable food may lie less with brands and more with their suppliers, which are investing in regenerative agriculture, traceability and climate-smart infrastructure to build more transparent and resilient supply chains.
The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is applicable from 12 August. The regulation introduces PFAS limits, aims to harmonise recycling and pushes for packaging to be designed for recyclability. The regulation may be costly, but the EU predicts that it will lead to long-term savings.
Why is private label growing globally?
Private label products continue to gain market share as consumers seek value and retailers look for higher margins, greater control over supply chains and stronger differentiation from competitors. In some Western European markets, private label now accounts for more than half of supermarket sales.
Where are private label products made?
Most private label manufacturing remains close to end markets, particularly in the US and Europe, where domestic suppliers can respond quickly to retailer demands. However, countries including China, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam are becoming increasingly important manufacturing hubs thanks to competitive costs, export capabilities and growing technical expertise.
Which regions are emerging as private label powerhouses?
Europe remains the global leader in private label penetration, while Southeast Asia is attracting growing interest from retailers and brand owners seeking alternative sourcing locations. Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam are particularly well positioned due to strong agricultural supply chains, export infrastructure and food manufacturing capabilities.
What does this mean for food and drink manufacturers?
The growth of private label is creating opportunities across the supply chain, from ingredient suppliers and co-packers to specialist manufacturers. At the same time, competition is intensifying as retailers increasingly demand innovation, premium products and faster product development from their manufacturing partners.
What are functional drinks?
Functional drinks are beverages designed to provide benefits beyond hydration, such as supporting gut health, energy, recovery, relaxation, immunity or cognitive performance. Popular categories include protein drinks, electrolyte beverages, probiotic and prebiotic products, and drinks containing vitamins, minerals, adaptogens or nootropics.
Why is the market growing?
Consumers increasingly view wellness as a daily priority and are looking for convenient products that support specific health goals. As a result, brands are developing drinks that target hydration, digestion, muscle health, focus, stress management and sleep.
Can functional drinks actually deliver health benefits?
Many functional ingredients are supported by scientific research, but effectiveness depends on factors such as dosage, formulation and the quality of evidence behind a claim. Industry experts increasingly argue that successful products will be those built around science-backed benefits rather than marketing hype.
What challenges do beverage brands face?
Regulators in major markets including the EU, UK and US are scrutinising health claims more closely. Brands must ensure claims are supported by credible evidence and communicated accurately, while also delivering on consumer expectations for taste, convenience and transparency.
Which functional drink categories are growing fastest?
High-growth areas include protein beverages, gut-health drinks, electrolyte products, cognition-support beverages and relaxation drinks containing ingredients such as magnesium, adaptogens and botanicals associated with stress management.
GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide may be linked to more than 150 deaths and thousands of adverse reactions, according to the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), specifically data collected by its Yellow Card biobank. Alongside deaths, the drugs are suspected of having been linked to gastrointestinal symptoms, psychiatric disorders and nervous system disorders.
The price of whey is still rising. How much could this affect the production of baby formula, which often uses whey as several key nutrients for babies are contained within it?
