Private equity is reshaping food and beverage through deals, consolidation and portfolio shifts - but rising costs, valuation gaps and pressure are changing the pace.
Why is a heat-stable natural red still one of food science's biggest challenges? Kalsec's Christina Cuddihy explains the science, cost and formulation hurdles facing bakery and snack manufacturers.
Former Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe is reportedly pursuing legal action against the company to recover forfeited bonuses and unvested shares after his dismissal over a relationship with a subordinate, arguing the move unfairly harmed his reputation and career prospects.
Warburtons tops FMCG rankings as shoppers prioritise product benefits, health, value and convenience over brand power, driving growth through solutions-led innovation
Dairy giant Lactalis has taken Nutri-Score to court. And not just any court but the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Lactalis claims that the front-of-pack labelling system not only unfairly discriminates against dairy, but also oversimplifies nutrition in general, and thus fails to live up to the EU's regulations on packaging information.
Nestlé is attempting a reset—but its Dairy Plan raises questions. While the company reports a 26% emissions cut, investors and analysts are scrutinising methodology, transparency, and the lack of verified outcomes behind its climate claims.
Nestlé appoints Antonia Wanner as chief communications and sustainability officer, signalling a strategic shift to integrate sustainability and corporate messaging to drive stakeholder trust and long-term value.
Hershey appoints former PepsiCo executive Heather Hoytink as US president, signalling a strategic push to accelerate growth and strengthen commercial execution.
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are reshaping confectionery demand - but not killing it. As global sales continue to grow, brands like Hershey report gains in gum and mints, while manufacturers pivot to low-sugar, functional and portion-controlled treats to meet evolving consumer habits.
Was the decision by Kraft Heinz to pause its previously planned split and reinvest into pricing, headcount and innovation a good one? According to Morningstar's Erin Lash, the reinvestment was prudent. The split is unlikely to go ahead while Kraft Heinz waits for these new investments to bear fruit, she suggests.
It is ten years since Brexit - since the UK left the EU. How has food and beverage been affected? Brexit has caused divergence in regulation, impacted food prices and the availability of labour, and made EU/UK trade more complex. But at the same time, much has remained the same.
Nestlé partners with Wildfarmed to use regenerative wheat in UK KitKat production, signalling a major shift in sustainable sourcing and raising the bar for the confectionery industry.
Mars is preparing to roll out artificial-colour-free M&M’s, highlighting both consumer demand for clean-label confectionery and the technical challenges of replacing synthetic dyes with natural alternatives in high-performance, brightly coloured products.
In Europe, the EUDR, the EU's anti-deforestation regulation, fast approaches. Now, the UK has announced its own rules. While the details of the rules have yet to be solidified, it will cover coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soy and rubber, and will apply in Great Britain (the UK excluding Northern Ireland, where the EUDR will apply).
Kraft Heinz overhauls global structure, merging supply chain and procurement and creating three regions, as plans to split the business remain on hold.
The EU has relaxed its rules on gene-editing. Now, only some gene-edited crops are regulated by the stringent GMO directive. Those that are not are, with a few caveats, more or less regulated like conventional crops, according to Mewburn Ellis's Ben Tolley. This could provide opportunities for CRISPR, since crops using the innovative gene-editing technique were before this regulated under the EU's GMO regulation.
Ingredion’s takeover of Tate & Lyle signals rising consolidation as suppliers race to offer one-stop, multi-ingredient solutions for sugar reduction and reformulation
The latest snacking data suggests consumers have blurred the lines between meals, treats and nutrition. Is the industry's definition of a snack still relevant?
Nestlé, Danone and Muscle Milk’s approach to reformulation reflects a broader shift away from “free-from” and “reduced” ingredients, to a complete overhaul without compromising organoleptic characteristics.
Dairy major Danone has announced that it will acquire Made Group, an Australian company selling health-focused dairy products. This will help the French multinational strengthen its presence in Asia Pacific, as Made Group has presence in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
Creatine is pushing into functional beverages as brands crack stability issues, but questions remain over efficacy, dosing and long-term consumer appeal.
Research suggests that GLP-1 users prefer sugar to artificial sweeteners, as they are increasingly attracted to more 'natural' food that feels 'worthwhile' with their smaller appetites. There is little research around whether changing taste perception on the drugs works differently for sweetness from sugar and artificial sweeteners. However, artificial sweeteners tend to have a bitter off-taste that sugar doesn't, which may, some research suggests, be heightened on GLP-1s as well.
Major food commodities like corn, cocoa, palm oil, wheat, rice, soybeans and sugar have varying levels of vulnerability to climate change. Some, like cocoa, are extremely vulnerable; others, like soybeans, are more resilient. The food sector must work hard to ensure that the worst impacts of rising temperatures and irregular weather patterns are mitigated.
Why is Ingredion acquiring Tate & Lyle? The two companies are compatible, with Tate & Lyle's focus on mouthfeel and fibre complementing Ingredion's speciality texturisers and plant-based offerings. For Ingredion, the deal bolsters its strategy on texture; for Tate & Lyle, it gives access to greater scale.
Döhler’s acquisition of Nukoko signals a shift for confectionery as cocoa-free chocolate moves from niche to scalable solution amid supply and cost pressures.
Lindt & Sprüngli reaches 100% Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa as Big Confectionery accelerates sustainability, farmer income and long-term supply resilience.
With the rise in the popularity of fibre, especially due to trends such as fibremaxxing, what is the risk of consuming too much of it? Bloating, excess wind, abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habit can be the result of too much fibre. Fibre overconsumption can even affect how people absorb certain nutrients, such as zinc, iron, and calcium.
Mars hits 100% renewable electricity across US operations, cutting emissions while growing the business and scaling clean energy and regenerative agriculture.
The 2026 State of Snacking report explores why consumers increasingly discover food visually, value texture and make purchasing decisions driven by comfort, reward and connection.
Consumer desire for ‘more’ is driving innovation around healthy enjoyment, elevated convenience, collaboration, crossovers and memorable or immersive experiences, according to Circana’s 2025 New Products Pacesetters report.
GLP-1 adoption is rapidly changing British shopping habits, cutting grocery spend while boosting demand for smaller portions, functional foods and oral care.
Mergers and acquisitions will often face significant scrutiny from competition law in the EU. If these companies harm competition, for example gaining significant market share without competitive constraints, the European Commission will often ask for concessions to mitigate this. Competition law is always changing, and the Commission are now taking a more long-term, ecosystem-wide approach to scrutiny.
Mars appoints Kemal Cetin as CDIO to drive digital transformation, accelerate growth and strengthen its global snacking strategy amid Kellanova integration.
The US and Iran have agreed on a peace deal. What could this mean for food and beverage? Food prices are unlikely to fall straight away, due to long-term contracts taking a long time to filter through the supply chain. However, for some classes of commodities, such as palm and soybean oils (which are used for biofuels), prices could fall more quickly. The prices for plastics used for food packaging may fall more quickly than food as well.
Nestlé USA has completed its 2026 goal of removing artificial colors defined by Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) from its US food and beverage portfolio as part of the company’s broader reformulation and transparency initiatives.
Heatwaves can have a significant impact on food consumption, pushing consumers to embrace some foods and shun others. Winners from heatwaves include bottled water and hydration beverages, ice cream, and even iced beverages. Losers, on the other hand, include confectionery, hot meals, bakery, and other dairy products.
Brands, especially in confectionery, are increasingly prioritising texture. But do consumers value it? Consumers look for certain textures, including creamy, chewy and crunchy, in indulgent products. In chocolate specifically, nearly as many are attracted to products by texture as by flavour.
As Ebola prompts border restrictions in Uganda, analysts warn of potential supply risks—but bumper harvests in top exporters could stabilise global coffee markets.
Products from Nestlé Gerber and Danone were recently found to contain microplastics. But how can food companies keep microplastics out of food? One method is simply to use different coatings for packaging that are less likely to generate microplastics, or source ingredients with lower microplastic contamination. Failing that, they should reduce risks within the production process, use water filtration to prevent microplastics getting into food, and monitor intently for microplastics. Finally, they should ensure consumers do not misuse packaging and create more microplastics.
The UK has approved a once daily Wegovy semaglutide pill for weight loss, marking Europe’s first oral GLP-1 treatment. It will initially be available via private prescription, with NHS use still under NICE review.
Explore the top 5 taste trends shaping dairy and plant-based innovation, from café-inspired indulgence and pistachio to tropical fruit and savoury, spicy flavours driving new product launches.
GLP-1 drugs could rapidly evolve beyond current use as diabetes and weight loss medications, with new research pointing to potential benefits in cancer, ageing, addiction, osteoarthritis and heart health. As evidence grows and new formats like oral therapies emerge, usage is expected to expand to other populations and health needs. This shift will reshape how and why consumers use GLP-1s, fundamentally shifting consumption behaviours. For food and beverage companies, understanding how their use might evolve will be critical to staying relevant, from reformulating products to meeting new nutritional needs. Here’s a snapshot of the latest research and what it could mean for the future of food, beverage and consumer demand.
Cultivated meat has come a long way since Mark Post developed the first cultivated burger in 2013. But the Mosa Meat CSO is still at the forefront of the sector. He explains how cultivated meat was first developed, from its origins in the form of cells to the Sergey Brin-backed development of a full burger, and the creation of Mosa Meat itself from this research. He speaks about the advantages of cultivated meat, the technical challenges that it still faces, and where it may go in the future.
Food-tech startups across Europe, the Middle East and Africa are invited to apply for the 2026 Global Food Tech Awards EMEA heat, with entries now open and free to submit.
New Circana data shows consumers still prioritize taste, but increasingly expect functional benefits like protein, probiotics and added wellness in snacks. Brands are responding with indulgent products that deliver both flavor and function, signaling a shift in modern snacking behavior.
Dairy giants including Danone, Nestlé and Lactalis are investing in meal replacement brands like Huel, Yfood and Protein Works as demand rises for convenient, protein‑rich nutrition in the era of GLP‑1 weight management.
Plastics are often found in places consumers don't expect, as inner layers in cans, cartons and pouches that appear plastic-free. They're there for durability and shelf-life. Yet most consumers are unaware of this, meaning a disconnect is created between perception and reality when it comes to plastic use.
Plant-based meat manufacturers often promote their products as better for the environment, a more 'ethical' option. But this is not how most consumers think; they are looking for benefits to themselves.
Explore how texture innovation—creamy, crunchy, stretchy and more—is helping dairy and plant-based brands boost value, stand out in commoditised categories, and win premium positioning.
Unilever's merger of its food businesses with McCormick and IFF's sale of most of its food portfolio represent a wider trend. Businesses are distancing themselves from often cumbersome, slow-growing food businesses in favour of health, premiumisation and convenience.
PepsiCo is deploying driverless trucks to move Doritos and other products across the US. Could autonomous freight transform food logistics, or will jobs and safety concerns slow adoption?
GLP-1 users are increasingly gravitating towards foods with can supply them with the nutrients they need, especially those with high fibre and protein content. However, this does not mean that taste is no longer a factor. Users are especially attracted to foods with lighter textures which are easier to eat, such as yoghurt, kefir, soup, fruit and veg. Indulgence remains popular as well, but in a different way: GLP-1 users are driving growth in premium chocolate, for example.
Meet the Nottingham duo behind major FMCG launches, working with PepsiCo, Tesco and more to drive NPD, challenge AI-led innovation and shape future food trends.
Monster Beverage is using Coca-Cola’s bottling network to expand energy drinks across Southeast Asia, China, India and EMEA as international sales near half its business.
After months of speculation, US ingredients giant Ingredion has bought UK company Tate & Lyle. Combined, the two ingredients companies may take up a substantial chunk - roughly 15% - of the world's alternative sweeteners market.
Froneri is leveraging sustainability across sourcing, product innovation and branding to support premium indulgence and snacking trends — and drive growth.
The demand for fibre is growing significantly, as consumers embrace it after years of neglect. While the online fibremaxxing trend brought it into the spotlight, this may be short lived, believes Innova's Mimi Bonnett, although its impact on how fibre is perceived - dispersing the narrative of unpleasantness around it and its association with digestion - will likely be long-term. The main drivers of demand are functional health factors, particularly gut health. Products with added fibre are actually a small part of overall fibre intake, compared to fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses.
Nestlé’s new partnership with biotech startup Helaina signals a deeper push into next-generation ingredients that bring infant formula closer to the composition of human breast milk – a long-standing goal across the category.
Do GLP-1s dull taste? There have been significant research suggesting that they do, with many users saying that they experience a dulled taste when on the drugs. But recent research may point to the opposite effect, with around a quarter of users surveyed self-reporting more intense flavours (more in all categories of taste than those reporting dulled tastes).
Climate Smart Food 2026 will focus on a wide range of topics, including regenerative agriculture, sustainable ingredients, commodity crises such as the cocoa crisis, and regulations like the EUDR. It will also explore innovation, in particular upcycling, sustainable packaging, investment trends, food tech and the role of data and AI in sustainability.
Mondelēz World Travel Retail launches limited-edition Milka x Monopoly campaign across Europe and Latin America airports, combining experiential marketing with collectable rewards to drive travel retail growth.
Unilever CEO defends $40bn McCormick merger amid investor backlash and internal dissent, as doubts grow over the impact of separating its Foods division.
Ian Noble, VP for R&D for Mondelēz International, oversees innovation for the snacking giant, leading on research and analytical sciences, cocoa technologies, and start-up accelerators like CoLab. In a wide ranging interview, we discuss Mondelēz's sustainability agenda, the future of cocoa, and Noble's own love of understanding 'how things work'.
Do consumers want cultivated meat? While often decried as a 'frankenfood', views of cultivated meat among consumers are more nuanced than this word suggests. Around half would be willing to try it, according to one survey, although expectations around affordability are high. The fact that it is not yet on the market is a mixed blessing for companies; for now, they must rely on messaging rather than products themselves to persuade consumers.
Kraft Heinz's planned demerger remains paused. Instead, the company is investing $600m back into itself. But where will this investment go? The investment is in part focused on pricing, and tackling affordability; it is also focused on reinvesting in major brands, and increasing the household penetration of currently salient brands.
Mars takes aim at rival Hershey with a playful new Snickers Peanut Butter Reese's campaign, highlighting “real” peanut butter and escalating confectionery competition.
Nestle's acquistion of Yfood follow's Danone's acquisition of Huel: as the opportunities for meal replacement, nutrition drinks and protein beverages powers up
Nestlé is shifting back to volume‑led growth, doubling down on coffee, confectionery and emerging markets as it sharpens focus and streamlines its portfolio.
Pistachios are seeing significant pressure from all sides. Supply is being pressured by logistical challenges in Iran, one of its biggest suppliers - military conflict is only adding to this. Meanwhile, the use of pistachio in confectionery, both in Dubai chocolate and beyond, is putting pressure on demand. The future for pistachios is uncertain, with harvests from all three major producers - Turkey, the US and Iran - falling short of expectations.
Barry Callebaut unveils its Focus for Growth strategy, sharpening priorities to navigate cocoa volatility, drive higher‑value growth and strengthen long‑term profitability.
Mars accelerates premium confectionery strategy through Hotel Chocolat acquisition, innovation, and global demand growth, signalling intensified competition in higher-value chocolate segments.
Europe was recently hit by a heatwave, with temperatures rocketing up across the continent. Heatwaves make cold chain storage work harder and use more energy. However, they are unlikely to lead to spoilage as even most ambient products can normally cope with increased temperatures. Heatwaves do, of course, lead to increased demand for some categories, such as ice cream, but companies are usually prepared for this.
Nestlé Waters faces trial in France over alleged large-scale plastic dumping and contamination, raising concerns over environmental damage, water safety, and the future sale of its bottled water business amid mounting legal and regulatory pressure.
The bioavailability of nutrients is often determined by their placement within the food matrix, meaning the physical structure of a food and how its different constituent parts interact. Marion Nestle explains the relationship between the food matrix and bioavailability. This is an important part of how the body interacts with ultra-processed foods; because of their disrupted food matrix, the ingredients within are more bioavailable.
IFF’s $4.3 billion sale of its food ingredients business will give the global ingredient supplier more space to focus on its other core businesses: scent, taste and health and biosciences.
It's three months since the beginning of the Iran War. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and food prices continue to be pushed up. The FAO has suggested that a severe food price crisis may be on the horizon within six to 12 months if this isn't remedied. How can the food sector prepare for such a crisis, and mitigate its worst effects?
Confectionery brands are shifting from traditional ads to immersive experiences, as partnerships with entertainment and culture reshape how sweets connect with consumers.
From Mengniu to Chobani and fairlife, dairy brands are using the FIFA World Cup to push health, protein and performance messaging to a global audience.
Discover how Cargill is joining Barry Callebaut and Nestlé in the alternative chocolate space with NextCoa, a sustainable and allergen-free B2B ingredient.
