Bakery and Snacks

General Mills’ $697m Brazil hit shows how fast Big Food has changed

General Mills sells Yoki Brazil business for $153m, taking a $697m hit as global food companies move away from expansion towards margin-led strategies.

Could the GLP-1 boom open the door to shrinkflation?

GLP-1s are driving demand for smaller portions, due to reducing consumer appetites. Could this lead to smaller pack sizes? And if so, will companies be able to save money from reducing the size of their products?

Walker’s, Coca-Cola, Drumstick and Cadbury turn April into an activation playground

Explore April 2026 new product launches from Walker’s, Coca-Cola, Drumstick and Cadbury, as brands turn to partnerships, events and activations to drive NPD.

Iran conflict: The 5 biggest pressure points for food and beverage

The Iran conflict poses significant risks to the food and beverage industry with oil, transport and energy costs; disruptions to polyethylene and aluminum; the threat of cyber attacks; and ultimately inflation

Artificial sweeteners: Why the science war is raging on

Conflicting studies on artificial sweeteners are fuelling fresh debate across food and drink, as health risks, regulation and reformulation collide worldwide.

Can high-fat dairy withstand the GLP-1 effect?

GLP‑1 use is rising fast, but USDA data shows strong 2024 demand for butter, cheese and ice cream. Can high‑fat dairy stay resilient?

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.