Bakery and Snacks

Could Brussels really crumble the humble UK oatcake?

As the UK-EU reset deal inches forward, new mycotoxin limits threaten to turn the much-loved British oatcake into unexpected Brexit collateral.

Why water might be the biggest threat to the snack sector’s future

PepsiCo’s latest pep+ update centers on water and the message should make the whole snacks sector pay attention.

The big December drop: Snack season starts now

From gingerbread nostalgia to chocolate trolleys and limited edition winter snacks, here’s what’s new this festive season.

The ‘radically simple’ sweet snack revolution that’s getting juicy

Sweet snack trends are tilting toward simpler, fruit-forward formulations – and Solely’s approach is drawing fresh attention from retailers.

Christmas crisps at risk after second KP strike vote this year

A fresh strike vote at KP’s Billingham plant has raised concerns over whether popular crisp brands will be fully stocked in the run-up to Christmas.

Mars Snacking’s methane playbook: Lessons from Bovaer and a focus on next-gen tech

Mars Snacking urges the entire dairy supply chain to share responsibility for sustainable farming. Through its Unreasonable Food accelerator, the company backs start-ups tackling methane emissions, alternative proteins, and natural ingredients, driving collaborative solutions for a greener future.

What’s next for chocolate? Key trends shaping a $184bn market

Discover the future of chocolate. From premiumisation and health-driven trends to regional growth, cocoa-free alternatives, and bold innovations shaping a $184bn global market by 2033.

Smucker’s Sweet Baked Snacks take a hit as Hostess reset bites into Q2

The J.M. Smucker Co.’s latest results show a business broadly on track, but its Sweet Baked Snacks segment is clearly in the painful middle of a reset.

Candy Kittens owner in talks to buy Unilever snack brand Graze

Unilever is close to offloading Graze, the British healthy-snack brand it acquired for £150m in 2019, to German confectionery group Katjes for just £35m. The sale reflects Graze’s struggles under Unilever’s ownership and aligns with the FMCG giant’s strategy to focus on faster-growing sectors like beauty and healthcare.

Emmi Group acquires The English Cheesecake Company

Emmi Group acquires The English Cheesecake Company to strengthen its presence in the UK's premium desserts market, despite growing trends towards weight management. The acquisition boosts Emmi's UK foodservice operations and allows entry into retail, capitalizing on the 6% yearly growth in the cheesecake segment.

Kaya Rebel: Singapore brand bucks tradition with healthier fusion coconut jams

Kaya Rebel, a Singapore start-up, makes lower-sugar, higher-protein coconut jams infused with global flavours as it eyes growth in tourism retail.

Hershey’s salty strategy

The confectionery giant’s latest move – snapping up LesserEvil – pulls it deeper into the everyday snacking landscape it’s been circling for years.

Natural or not? Cape Cod Chips called into court over citric acid

Cape Cod Chips now face two lawsuits alleging the brand’s ‘no artificial’ claims don’t square with its use of synthetic citric acid.

Domino’s switches up the toppings as UK boss exits

A leadership shift lands as the UK pizza chain tries to find momentum in a delivery market that’s proving tougher than expected.

Milk-based drinks added to UK sugar tax: Here’s what you need to know

The UK government announced the removal of the exemption for milk-based drinks from the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, subjecting them to the sugar tax if they exceed 4.5g sugar per 100ml.

Biscuits, cookies & crackers: What’s trending now and into 2026

Premium treats, grab-and-go minis and a burst of festive innovation are giving the aisle more energy than it’s had in years.

Ingredients in flux: Beneo’s CEO on what’s changing and what’s next

Ingredient suppliers face multiple challenges including tariffs, inflation, and climate risks, but opportunities remain strong in functional food, hybrid plant-based products, and GLP-1 companion solutions. The market for functional food and drink is nearing €300bn, driven by gut health, nutrition, and evolving consumer demands for value over sustainability premiums.

Cocoa’s gone wild: Could malted barley flour be the calm in the chaos?

With cocoa costs spiraling, Briess is pitching malted barley flour as a reliable, clean label lifeline for bakers and snack makers.

How is ingredient R&D shaping up alt dairy and nutrition innovation?

Postcard from Sydney: Lamingtons, loaves & legends

Sydney’s bakeries aren’t just baking – they’re performing. From sky-high lamingtons to cult sourdough, this city’s pastry scene blends precision, play and viral energy in every bite.