Bakery and Snacks

Less sugar, more pressure: Scotland’s HFSS rules force a food industry rethink

Scotland’s HFSS restrictions arrive in October 2026, forcing food manufacturers to rethink reformulation, retail strategy and consumer acceptance.

What will it take to stem diet-related deaths?

Experts at the 2026 Food as Medicine Summit in Chicago say preventable diet-related disease kills roughly 600,000 Americans annually and costs the US $1.1 trillion a year.

Bel’s Brainiac buy signals next wave in kids’ snacks

Bel Group’s acquisition of Brainiac highlights the rise of “brain food” snacks for kids as functional nutrition gains traction. The deal signals growing demand for products positioned around cognitive development, amid rising parental focus on children’s wellbeing and increasing scrutiny of health claims in the category.

Tariff refunds are available - here’s how to get them right

Early rejection rates, tight deadlines and technical hurdles are complicating the refund process for small and mid-sized importers lacking legal support.

Unilever shaken by investor exit as McCormick deal unsettles shareholders

Unilever faces mounting pressure over its $40bn merger of its Foods business with American brand McCormick, as investor sentiment turns negative and shares struggle to recover. The exit of major shareholder Terry Smith underscores growing concerns about the strategy, with critics questioning the industrial logic behind the deal. The situation reflects broader scrutiny of Big Food’s recent wave of break‑ups and restructurings, as investors become more selective about whether such moves can genuinely deliver long‑term value.

Are the days of Britain’s beloved biscuit break numbered?

Research from McVitie’s suggests Britain’s traditional biscuit break is under pressure as busy consumers struggle to switch off from work and daily life.

Europe’s copy-paste problem in US bakery

Europastry’s Fernando Garcia Ferrer explains why European bakery brands often fail in the US – and what it really takes to adapt, compete and grow in North America.

FDA’s leadership shakeup elevates food program insider amid questions over science, staffing and MAHA influence

Kyle Diamantas is poised to lead the FDA after Marty Makary’s resignation, prompting industry and public health concerns over science-based policymaking, staffing shortages and MAHA influence.

FDA takes aim at BHT and ADA in new post-market food chemical safety program

FDA's new post-market assessment program takes aim at the preservative BHT and synthetic dough conditioner ADA, continuing the agency's push to reassess food chemicals including the preservative BHA amid growing pressure from HHS Secretary RFK Jr.

What cereulide and botulism reveal about infant nutrition safety

Recent infant formula recalls linked to cereulide and botulism expose supply‑chain, testing and marketing gaps in global infant nutrition safety.

Iran conflict drains the colour from snack packs

Calbee’s monochrome snack packs have exposed the hidden role naphtha plays in global food packaging – and why the Iran conflict could pressure snack brands worldwide.

Grupo Bimbo commits $1bn to US despite growing unease over Trump-era business climate

Grupo Bimbo will invest $1bn in the US over the next two years as it expands operations and moves its BBU headquarters to Dallas.

Regenerative agriculture’s core tensions unpacked

Regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum, but questions remain around definition, certification, producer value and consumer trust. We explore the key tensions shaping its future across food and drink supply chains.

US government spends hundreds of millions on biotech pilot plants as national security priority

BioMADE launches three pilot facilities in California, Iowa and Minnesota with federal funding to address US infrastructure gaps in precision fermentation.

Japan Focus: Glico on snack trends, amazake jelly sticks, tea innovation and more

From protein to prebiotics: 11 launches tapping into longevity nutrition

From protein snacks and fibre-rich breads to prebiotic drinks, discover 11 new food and drink launches targeting strength, digestion and long-term wellbeing.

Embracing ‘genba’: Glico on balancing global trends with localisation

Yukio Kimura, COO of Glico Asia Pacific, says understanding “genba” – the field where operations and consumer interactions take place – is key to keeping brands relevant in diverse markets.

How cottage cheese reinvented itself

From snack pots to ice cream, cottage cheese is being reinvented through new formats, younger consumers and rising global demand.

Monster Beverage Corp may raise prices as aluminum costs surge amid global tensions

Monster Beverage may raise prices again as aluminum tariffs, supply pressures and higher freight costs squeeze margins, even as energy drink demand remains resilient.

Do UPFs pose greater risk of plastic packaging harms?

Chemicals found in food packaging, such as phthalates and bisphenols, are often associated with adverse health effects. But some suggest that ultra-processed foods are particularly prone to containing such chemicals. Why is this? The business model of UPFs, explains Food Packaging Forum's Jane Muncke, means that companies have an incentive to extend the shelf-life of foods, which plastic packaging can be used for.