Canada joins global movement on front-of-package food labels
New regulation mandates symbols on foods high in sodium, sugar or saturated fat, in effort to combat chronic disease
Labeling, marketing & advertising
Most GMO foods have avoided labels – a court just changed that
9th Circuit says USDA wrongly let ultra-processed foods and QR-code-only disclosures dodge federal GMO labeling law
Gum and mints are growing – just not how brands might think
The path forward is being shaped less by nostalgia and more by younger consumers, sugar-free formats and a renewed focus on function
FTC warns about ‘fake reviews’ in letters that could portend enforcement push
The agency signals stepped-up enforcement of its Consumer Review Rule, citing potential fines that can “quickly add up”
Letter from the editor
Trendspotting 2026: Restrain, realism and trust will define the next phase of growth
Quality, credibility and connection will redefine value for food brands in the year ahead
2026 Trendspotting
Packaging trends to watch in 2026: Data, transparency and compliance will redefine innovation
2026 promises to be a pivotal moment for packaging for food and beverage CPG as innovation shifts from flashy materials to more precision, credibility and data-based decision-making
Trendspotting 2026
Trendspotting 2026: Why shoppers are ditching extreme diets and embracing balance
Mintel dives into the food trends of 2026 — where perseverance, playfulness and practical products meet at the grocery aisle
Trendspotting 2026
Top 2026 marketing challenge for CPGs: Balancing algorithms and authenticity
Consumers increasingly want human connection without compromising the convenience AI offers – complicating product development, storytelling and engagement strategies for food brands
GLP-1 adoption is rising steadily – and reshaping pack size, portfolio strategy and volume
Rising GLP-1 adoption is quietly reshaping pack size strategy, category risk and marketing priorities for food and beverage brands
Holiday treats and meals still a priority despite inflation worries
Mars, Ferrero and Hershey launch new products as consumers double down on candy and seasonal snacks this winter
Can AI solve the cocoa crisis? Barry Callebaut is betting on it
Barry Callebaut partners with NotCo AI and Planet A Foods to tackle soaring cocoa prices and regulatory hurdles, leveraging digital formulation tools to future‑proof chocolate
How International Delight approaches celebrity partnerships to drive flavor innovation and Gen Z relevance
With its Paris Hilton–inspired limited-edition lineup, International Delight is doubling down on culture-led innovation as a strategy to energize the creamer aisle and attract next-gen shoppers
Spiceology built an AI chatbot – here’s what it means for foodservice education
REMI, built on ChatGPT and trained on the spice company’s recipe database, is helping home cooks and chefs better understand how to use its playfully named blends
Texas’ ingredient label law sparks a major food fight
A sweeping Texas bill that reshapes ingredient labels has triggered one of the biggest courtroom clashes yet between lawmakers and the food industry
3 strategies bolstering Campbell’s snack portfolio amid category slowdown
Targeted innovation, seasonal flavors and premiumization are delivering “worth-it” experiences to help maintain share even as snack volumes soften
5 macro trends in 2026 from KeHE Distributors
Shoppers demanding authenticity, function and bolder international products
Calbee’s Asian-inspired flavors aims to drive US snack innovation
From shrimp chips to takoyaki balls, Calbee is turning US snack aisles into a passport for adventurous, authentic Asian flavors
Monster Beverage energizes growth through innovation that reinforces, not replaces what consumers love
By pairing fan favorites with innovative new products, Monster expands occasions, recruits new consumers, and protects its core amid industry-wide unit declines
Premier Protein’s playbook for holding the lead when a category takes off
The hardest part about winning a new category isn’t getting there first – it’s surviving the stampede that follows, as illustrated by BellRing Brands’ aggressive growth strategy for convenient nutrition leader Premier Protein
Hidden Valley Ranch draws in Gen Z home cooks with NYC pop-up
Turning real estate constraints into real brand estate
A new era of premium chocolate emerges
As consumers redefine premium chocolate through taste, ethics and wellness, everyday indulgence is replacing special-occasion luxury – opening the door for brands and retailers to grow margins, build loyalty and differentiate in a tightening,...
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
New product development
Hershey’s Reese’s unwraps Christmas NPD with bold festive launches
Reese’s is ramping up its Christmas offer for 2025, revealing a raft of new products and returning best-sellers
New beverage launches: Canned cocktails, energy drinks and more
We take a look at some of the new beverage innovations launching around the globe
5 pillars powering private label’s ‘super cycle’ growth
Savvy consumers are looking for more than discounts – smart products and marketing can drive loyalty, according to Kantar
Cost discipline drives growth: How Conagra, General Mills and Celsius are navigating inflation and tariffs
Targeted pricing, selective promotions and strategic investments help brands protect margins and capture share in a high-cost environment
US plays catch up in store brands renaissance
As private-label products surge overseas, US grocers are just beginning to unlock their full potential
Bubbl’r and Amez Infusions ride the functional energy drink wave
From antioxidant sparkling waters to unsweetened tea blends, drink makers meet surging demand for focused energy without the crash
How TikTok food trends are inspiring brand innovation and limited-edition flavors
Viral flavors on TikTok are reshaping the food and beverage industry, accelerating product development and redefining how brands connect with consumers
Farmed cod gets Aquaculture Stewardship Council stamp, offering consistency for retail and CPG
The ASC is shifting its focus downstream, working with retailers and foodservice partners to make responsibly farmed seafood the industry standard – not the niche
Campbell’s Pokémon play: How the soup brand is winning with videogamers
A limited-edition line of collectible cans and a national sweepstakes helped Campbell’s connect with fans across generations while showcasing the power of gaming partnerships
Maximizing the holiday shopping rush: 5 strategies for food and beverage brands
Five actionable strategies show how brands can navigate shifting shopper behavior, boost engagement and maximize holiday revenue this season
Healthy beverages
Celsius enters a new era with Rockstar, Alani Nu acquisitions
New flavors, female-forward brands power energy drink company reboot
Healthy beverages
Lipton leans into function and flavor with new herbal teas and concentrates
Lipton is expanding into concentrates and herbal teas to meet growing demand for flavorful, functional and convenient tea formats, while keeping pace with trends like GLP-1 wellness and stress management
Healthy beverages
What’s the buzz around instant coffee?
Gen Z and Millennials are embracing the low-cost counterpart to ground and whole bean
Guest Article
Beyond Meat and Meati 2.0: How D2C can help their recovery strategies
As plant-based pioneers navigate financial hurdles, direct-to-consumer channels are emerging as a key tool for reconnecting with shoppers and testing new products
60 Years of the Pillsbury Doughboy: 3 Lessons in brand longevity and digital innovation
From AR experiences to influencer partnerships, Pillsbury’s 60-year-old icon shows how heritage brands can stay fresh by fusing emotional equity with digital innovation
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast
40% of grocery shoppers will use AI by 2030 – How will this transform CPG marketing?
As more shoppers hand off purchasing decisions to AI, PwC’s Carla DeSantis shares how brands can win in an era where algorithms – not aisles – drive discovery and purchase
Flavor forecast 2026: What will consumers want in the new year?
Flavor houses are predicting what will drive success for F&B brand in 2026, including authenticity, artistry and immersion
Non-UPF Verified debuts standard for CPG brands
The standard includes ingredient criteria and processing intensity that align with nutrition research and food system realities
Monster’s momentum: Energy drink sale surge as innovation and ‘affordable luxury’ positioning redefine the category
Innovation, affordability and shifting perceptions fuel 16.8% year-over-year growth, as Monster Beverage broadens its appeal beyond core users and positions energy drinks as an affordable alternative to coffee
5 meat snack innovations at NACS 2025
The tradeshow featured hundreds of innovative new products at the Cool New Snacks preview room
Bero and Aston Martin partner on non-alcoholic beer
Bero is aligning with Aston Martin to bring non-alcoholic beer into the premium space
Top 5 Christmas confectionery trends 2025
Holidays are coming! Discover the confectionery trends driving festive sales in 2025
Packaging news: From smart labels to PPWR ranges
A round-up of some of the latest packaging stories
‘Advertising is a weak force’: Busting CPG marketing myths
Does spending more improve sales? Why do brands fail? Do consumers ever go back to weak brands?
Ben & Jerry’s pro-Gaza ice cream blocked by directors
If Ben & Jerry’s can’t make a ‘Peace for Palestine’ flavoured ice cream, co-founder Ben Cohen will make it himself
Conagra all in on Taco Bell, Buffalo Wild Wings and pickles
CPG giant showcases co-branded launches and adventurous snacking trends at NACS, targeting flavor-driven demand
Mondelēz rethinks new product development and distribution strategy as US consumers cut back on snacks
The snack giant will expand value offerings, boost innovation in better-for-you products and indulgent items, and refine promotions to reignite growth
Groceryshop 2025
Ahold Delhaize USA’s retail media arm tears down ad silos with Edge platform
Launching in January, the new ‘one stop shop’ platform brings together fragmented marketing tools under one agentic layer in a self-serve system built for grocery that promises smarter targeting, easier campaign management and better ROI