Big brands get sporty: Win big with Cheez-It 'fantaseez' and Pop-Tarts mascot madness
Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts are among the big name brands taking Game Day to the next level with new campaigns, unforgettable fan experiences and over-the-top mascots
Retailer & shopper insights
Baking beyond borders: How bakers can elevate their festive offerings with European provenance
From Italy’s Panettone to Germany’s Christstollen and Portugal’s Pastéis de Nata, European bakery traditions have delighted tastebuds across continents. But what gives these iconic baked goods – rooted in regional provenance and centuries-old heritage –...
Festive NPD: From Crumble mince pies to bold banana chips
Almond mince pies, fig-walnut gingerbread, Limoncello panettone and peppermint pretzels – this holiday season’s treats are as festive as they are diverse. Which of these innovative flavours will find their way to your table?
Battle of the trends 2025
Food and beverage trends are going head-to-head, as different attitudes to eating styles compete for supremacy. So, which will emerge victorious in 2025?
Cheetos stirs the pot with a $20,000 statement on art
The Frito-Lay brand has entered the art world with a cheeky auction of a single Cheetos Puff taped to a wall. Can a snack-sized art piece outshine the viral fame of a banana that sold for $6 million?
Sweet indulgence: 7 hot chocolate trends
Hot chocolate is all about beautiful presentations and luxury serves: but there's more to this indulgent treat than meets the eye...
Nestlé’s top six 2025 food and drink innovation trends revealed
Nestlé has revealed the top food and drink trends that will drive its research, development and innovation in 2025, with speed, personalisation and fusion taking centre stage.
Reformulation is rife in F&B but consumers aren't sold yet
Brands are reformulating to improve nutritional value and reduce or remove ‘unhealthy’ ingredient levels. But this is not always a vote winner with customers. Why?
How to maximize brand visibility online: A guide for bakeries
In the highly competitive bakery sector, standing out in the crowded digital landscape requires more than just great products. It demands a smart, well-executed digital marketing strategy.
Consumers shop digital channels more amid grocery price concerns, Ibotta reports
Despite more optimism in the economy, consumers remain vigilant on grocery spending, scrutinizing the price of discretionary foods more and leveraging digital channels for discounts, according to marketing platform company Ibotta’s latest report on...
Rethinking bread: How bakers are leading the charge to combat the obesity crisis
As bread remains a staple in diets worldwide, the push to make it healthier is gaining momentum in the bakery industry. Could smarter formulations be the key to improving public health?
What is driving the MENA snack boom?
The snack market in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) is being fueled by a young population and shifting consumer preferences. But can snack and confectionery producers balance the rising demand for indulgence with the growing focus on health and wellness?
From CSR to marketing might: 6 proven strategies to boost your bakery and snacks business
In today’s competitive bakery and snacks sectors, standing out and making an impact is more challenging than ever. Here are six powerful approaches adopted by others that will elevate your brand and drive success.
Could popular snacks actually contribute to better heart health and lower stroke risk?
As consumer interest in health deepens, the connection between everyday food choices and long-term health outcomes has come under intense scrutiny. Could some savory snacks and even ultra-processed foods (UPFs) unexpectedly offer heart health benefits?
Is your brand ready for the HFSS advertising shake-up?
The clock is ticking for the UK’s HFSS (high in fat, sugar, and salt) advertising ban. How will brands pivot their strategies to adapt to these sweeping regulatory changes?
Pumpkin spice innovation to fall for: From Oreos to Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and everything in between
As we dive into the world of new product development (NPD) in this seasonal segment, it's clear that pumpkin spice is more than just a fleeting trend.
Just how important is multisensory engagement in snacking?
Snacking is more than just eating: it’s a multisensory, emotional and physiological experience. But how can snack producers master these elements to drive product success and cultivate brand loyalty?
Edible alcohol: Shrinking in drinking and rising in snacks
As alcohol consumption declines, its presence in bakery and snacks is gaining momentum through flavor-driven innovations. Could the future of alcohol be more about what we eat than what we drink?
Bakery and snack launches: From Doritos Zero Gravity Chips to OGGS Cruelty-Free Lemon Loaf Cake
As the snack and bakery industry gears up for the ‘ber’ months, brands are rolling out innovative snacks to warm up the season. Which of these exciting new launches will become the season’s go-to treat?
5 popular UK products hit hard by shrinkflation
As ingredient and production costs rise, more businesses are quietly reducing product sizes to stay competitive – but what are the long term risks for brand reputation and customer loyalty?
The evolution of potato chip flavors: From Crum’s classic to Pringles’ Brussel Sprouts
Potato chips – the world’s most popular snack, pulling in billions in sales annually – have evolved from a simple snack to a canvas for culinary creativity. We explore the fantastical journey of potato chip flavors.
Why French bakeries are winning over America: The rise of Le Macaron, Bridor, Paris Baguette and more
From the allure of delicate patisseries to the crunch of freshly baked baguettes, the charm of French bakery goods has captivated the American palate.
6 things consumers want from food and drink manufacturers
Consumer needs are beginning to return to pre-cost-of-living crisis levels, despite the persistently negative landscape surrounding them. So how should food and beverage manufacturers respond?
New product development: From potato chip and wine pairings to oat bars that combat stress and enhance sleep
How can snacks elevate your lifestyle beyond mere indulgence? From potato chips designed to pair with wine to stress-busting bars that promise better sleep and the UK’s most inclusive donuts – crafted to cater to all dietary needs – NPD in the bakery and...
The evolution of snacking: How generational preferences are shaping the sector
In the ever-evolving consumer goods landscape, one trend remains constant: people love to snack. However, the way they snack and the products they prefer are anything but static.
What’s new on shelf: From Pringles’ new flavor to a ‘cheeky’ take on your favorite snack
Pringles takes to the street for its latest offering, Cheeky Cocktails adds a dash of creativity to snacks and PorkRinds.com is looking for a Crunch Time Hero of the Week.
Is the Mars-Kellanova merger a gamechanger for the snacks industry?
The $36bn procurement by Mars is one of the most significant M&A deals so far this year. But what is the potential impact for the snacks sector?
How Grupo Bimbo’s presence has shaped India’s bakery market
Since its entry into India in 2017, the Mexican bakery giant has not only reshaped the country’s bread market’s competitive landscape, but also driven innovation and efficiency in the sector.
What’s hitting the shelves? New product launches from heart-healthy pretzels to ice cream snacks for canines
From grain-free pretzels crafted with superfood ingredients, to a snack that delivers a trifecta texture experience of fruit, boba and gel, to ensuring dogs are as well considered as their owners, we take a look at some of the latest launches in the...
Is Scottish Bakers’ new consumer-facing mark the key to preserving a proud tradition?
In Scotland, where tradition meets innovation, baking has been cherished for generations, but changing tastes has prompted Scottish Bakers to adopt a bold new approach.
Snack shake-up: Six gamechanging collabs redefining NPD
Collaborations in the snack industry are vital for innovation, market expansion and consumer engagement. These partnerships lead to the creation of novel products that blend diverse flavors and cultural influences, capturing consumer interest and...
Snack attack: Is Mars’ $35.9bn bet on Kellanova the key to dominating the healthier snacks market?
The mega payout by Mars, Inc. for Kellanova is driven by the candy giant’s desire to expand its footprint in the fast-growing market for healthier snacks, which is underpinned by consumer preference that is shifting away from traditional packaged foods...
Nutty innovations: The trendy snacks that blend personal and planetary health
New product innovations, the drive towards sustainability and a record harvest highlight a dynamic market where traditional favorites like almonds are thriving.
Premium snacking NPD: Elevating cravings with gourmet, better-for-you snacks
Ramping up the premium snacking experience involves curating high-quality, gourmet ingredients and emphasizing sophisticated, unique flavors that cater to discerning palates. This approach not only enhances the sensory pleasure of snacking but also...
The better-for-you NPD and film collabs that are stimulating the kids snacking sector
Ensuring that children develop healthy eating habits early on is essential for their growth and wellbeing. Set them on the right path by promoting nutritious snacking.
How bakers can capitalize on the plant-based trend
Audiences remain hungry for plant-based - providing brands tap into its three big and evolving trends.
Predictive tech: The secret ingredient to boost bakery and snack brands
Data analytics, AI and machine learning are vital to predict preferences and optimize production processes, but they are only one part of the consumer engagement story.
Snack smart: The surge in nutritious nibbles
Health-conscious consumers are devouring more snacks and demanding more from their choices. And manufacturers are stepping up to the plate with ever more nutritious nibbles.
NPD: Sprouting new innovation with plant-based snacks
Embracing plant-based snacking is more than a trend: it’s a mindful choice that aligns with a sustainable lifestyle, inviting everyone to enjoy wholesome treats that are good for both people and the planet.
Regeneratively grown flour, food waste and for gamers: Five products to love for their feel-good factors
From bread made with flour grown under regenerative agriculture conditions to ‘crunch cancelling’ tech from Doritos, here are five snack ranges that are really making their mark.
Buying habits: The snacks are a’ changing
Changes in consumer behavior – driven by the pandemic, eating habits, social media and health awareness – have influenced the snack industry.
Bucking the trend: Why is Russia’s snack market thriving amid sanctions?
Sales of potato chips in Russia are up, with local producers grabbing the opportunity to fill the gap left by international brands that have scaled back or ceased their operations.
‘A snack is a snack, not a meal replacement’: UPFs, Nutri Score, the EC elections, regulations and other issues impacting the European snacks sector
A major concern for the European Snacks Association (ESA) is the debate over ultra processed foods (UPFs), which director general Sebastian Emig believes is not based on scientific fact and is causing confusion among consumers. We caught up with him at...
The trending treats for Fourth of July: From swicy to the pretzel bun
Inflation has been running hot and while some relief is evident, consumers are exhausted by high food prices. That’s not to say that Americans are eating fewer burgers (they consume more than 50 billion every year), but forced to trade down to save...
Why are people with celiac disease suffering more at the tills?
Research by Coeliac UK into the cost of gluten free (GF) food shows that while overall food inflation has reduced over the past two years, Brits with celiac disease are still facing a huge additional burden both in terms of cost and availability.
NPD: What’s sweetening the bakery aisle?
Globally, teatime continues to maintain its relevance in modern society, providing an opportunity to socialize with family and friends, foster a sense of community and relaxation. And as consumers get more adventurous with their tastebuds, bakery...
Toothpaste chips anyone? Just how adventurous are you prepared to be?
With Snackex coinciding with Euro 2024, Hügli created mixes inspired by familiar dishes from the participating European countries, while Euroma showcased ‘crazy’ flavors that took snackers into new realms.
Old school favourites are making a comeback
Why nostalgia is winning the hearts and wallets of consumers in this reflective food trend.
India’s biscuit giants: How emerging market brands are fast-tracking their success
While powerhouses like Oreo’s shout tales of success one twist at a time, the rise of ‘biscuit billionaires’ in emerging markets like India are not to be ignored. How many of these brands do you know?
NPD: The viral Snackle Box and how to fill it
From trending bachelorette-inspired boxes on TikTok to Amazon’s new take of the traditional woven picnic basket, the portable snack box has gone overboard. But there’s an art to filling it.