Bakery and Snacks

When demand falls but prices rise, who really pays?

Food prices remain high even as demand slows. From $7 chips to $8 cereal, why aren’t prices falling – and who is really paying the cost?

Mould, microbes and the $10m mistake food companies keep making

Food safety failures are becoming faster, costlier and harder to contain. From climate-driven contamination to complex supply chains, here’s why the risks are rising – and how companies can respond.

Unilever and McCormick defend food tie-up after investor jitters

Unilever and McCormick defend their planned $20bn food business combination after a sharp market reaction, arguing the deal creates a flavor-led growth platform in condiments and seasonings.

Private-label consolidation continues with CK Snacks’ purchase of Keystone Food Products

The Grand Rapids snack maker adds Easton‑based Keystone to its lineup, strengthening its presence in private‑label production as competition intensifies in 2026.

Fermentation waste could be food industry goldmine

Fermentation is booming, but what about the leftover biomass? How microbial fibre could close the fibre gap and turn waste into high‑value food ingredients.

Can AI really sort the UPF mess the food industry is facing?

Can AI bring clarity to ultra-processed foods? As NOVA faces criticism and regulators lag, new tools are reshaping how UPFs are defined.

FDA extends deadline as hidden gluten puts regulatory fine-tuning under the spotlight

The FDA is reviewing gluten labelling rules to tackle hidden gluten, improve transparency and reduce cross-contact risks for consumers with coeliac disease.

Cross‑industry food waste coalition targets 30M meals a year by 2028

How Bel defied global snacking headwinds

As global snack giants struggle, Bel Group is driving growth by sticking to healthy dairy and plant‑based snacks, regional investment and disciplined innovation.

California pushes ‘non-UPF’ seal as certifications multiply and confusion grows

California proposes a non-UPF certification as labels multiply, but inconsistent definitions of ultra-processed foods could confuse consumers and industry alike.

Cacao pods and ‘ugly’ potatoes powering the upcycled foods movement

As the global upcycled food market grows, brands like Blue Stripes and Seven Sundays are innovating with sustainable snacks and cereal options.

Stagflation is food manufacturing’s worst-of-both-worlds scenario

As stagflation risks build, food manufacturers face rising input costs and slowing demand. Here’s what it means across key food and drink sectors.

6 key food innovation trends driven by feel good indulgence

Consumer demand for indulgence — and feeling good about it — is increasingly driving food innovation strategies.

NPD: Match-day bites built for energy, heat and hype

From protein drinks to spicy pies, the latest match-day snacks blend flavour, energy and functional nutrition for today’s sports fans.

Circana: Private label takes different paths in the US and Europe

Circana data shows private-label growth outpacing brands worldwide. Learn how club, mass and discounter channels are reshaping pricing, premium tiers and sustainability.

Beyond disruption: What Big Food actually needs from startups

Experts reveal why most food-tech startups fail with big food companies – and what “readiness” really means, from economics and scale to internal alignment.

The ‘cookie economy’ in 7 bites

From $10 cookies to viral bakery brands, the ‘cookie economy’ is redefining indulgence and driving premium growth across the global biscuit market.

Nestlé’s alt chocolate bet is make-or-break for cocoa-free

Nestlé’s new cocoa‑free Choco Crossies marks a make‑or‑break moment for alt chocolate, with industry stakes high as investors and innovators watch the launch closely.

Clean label drives protein innovation – from seaweed stabilizers to yeast‑based alternatives

Companies showcased how seaweed stabilizers and yeast‑derived proteins can simplify labels, enhance functionality, and advance clean‑label protein innovation during Future Food-Tech San Francisco.

McCormick’s results take a back seat as Unilever deal nears

McCormick’s Q1 2026 earnings show steady growth, but it’s a potential Unilever deal that’s dominating attention and reshaping the company’s outlook.