Iran Conflict: What does this mean for global food sector?
The ongoing tensions in Iran could disrupt supply routes and drive volatility across key food commodities such as rice and meat
Meat
More with less: Hormel and Utz downsize to grow efficiently
Strategic downsizing at Hormel, Utz and peers shows how fewer brands and plants can unlock efficiency, margin expansion and sustainable growth in packaged food
Opinion
The ultra-processed foods debate has nuance - let’s recognise it
To understand how processing affects food consumption, don’t caricature either side of the debate
Lancet critique of 2025–30 Dietary Guidelines highlights health and policy gaps
The Lancet critique of 2025–30 Dietary Guidelines spotlights SNAP, equity and a widening policy divide
Food inflation will cool in 2026 but grocery bills may continue to rise
USDA data show food-at-home prices growing far slower than food away from home, creating uneven pressure across categories and opportunities for packaged food makers
Food-tech solutions for a more sustainable and secure food system
Letter from the editor: Food-tech tackles today’s threats, but creates new challenges
From AI-powered grocery pricing and agentic commerce to predictive supply chains, cultivated meat regulation and alternative protein funding, technology is helping CPGs manage disruption while reshaping the industry’s risk landscape
Food-Tech Solutions For A More Sustainable And Secure Food System
Where countries stand on cultivated meat regulation in 2026
A global regulatory snapshot of cultivated meat, explaining who is moving first, why approvals vary by country and what comes next for the category
Plant-based meat isn’t dead, but it is in a reset
Plant-based meat faces a slowdown as price, foodservice strategy and manufacturing innovation shape the next phase for the sector
Is aquaculture sustainable? It depends on the system around it
A deeper look shows aquaculture’s climate impact depends less on fish and more on governance
Whole food now at the heart of US nutrition policy
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines focus on federal programs and procurement to drive whole-food consumption and reduce ultra-processed foods nationwide
5 ways to boost plant-based meat sales
Health claims may be an overlooked lever that could reignite plant-based meat demand, according to consumer research by the Good Food Institute
Protein priorities fuel Tyson’s chicken and prepared foods momentum
Affordable pricing, convenience and alignment with federal dietary guidance are reshaping consumer demand for value-added protein
Soup-to-Nuts Podcast
What will it take to rebuild plant-based and cultivated meat?
As protein demand rises and consumers grow choosier, Good Food Institute Founder Bruce Friedrich outlines how plant-based and cultivated meat can move beyond hype and become investable, scalable industries
News Bites
Top 5 stories reshaping grocery value in 2026
The grocery value equation is evolving beyond simple price tags
Smithfield Foods makes its play for Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs in a deal that could signal new category growth
Multinational meat purveyor Smithfield Foods acquires Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, moving from longtime licensee to full owner of one of the most recognizable hot dog brands in the US
News Bites
How consumers are redefining food value beyond price, health and hype
From sensemaxxing and nutrition policy to freeze-dried candy, consumers are reshaping what ‘value’ means in food - moving beyond price, binaries and one-size-fits-all health claims
2026 beef trends: How new Dietary Guidelines are shaping protein demand
Dietary guidance, convenience-driven meals and emerging trends like beef tallow may open new avenues for innovation in beef
US Dietary Guidelines sideline MyPlate in favor of inverted food pyramid
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans spotlight an inverted food pyramid, effectively sidelining MyPlate and sparking debate among nutrition experts and educators
News Bites
From dietary guidelines to cocoa shortages, pressure mounts on CPG brands
This week’s top stories show how nutrition policy debates, shifting views on processing and cocoa supply disruptions are reshaping formulation and sourcing decisions for CPG brands
The premium protein playbook: Sourcing discipline, pricing restraint and promotions
Pre Brands aims to maintain premium beef pricing through strategic sourcing and targeted retail promotions
How the Dietary Guidelines may shape product strategy and development
The latest Dietary Guidelines may not reinvent the wheel, but they offer manufacturers a roadmap to balance nutrition, consumer preference and formulation strategy across sweeteners, grains and processed foods, according to one expert
From media to scaffolding: How plant-based materials are reshaping cultivated meat
Within a narrow funding landscape, plant-based inputs are emerging as one of the most pragmatic ways cultivated meat companies can reduce costs and move toward commercialization
Cellular agriculture funding hits reset and investors want proof, not promises
Capital hasn’t disappeared from cellular agriculture - but investors now want proof the market is ready
Cellular ag moves beyond the startup phase
Government support rises even as startups reset
Startup Spotlight
Whole-cut technology emerges as plant-based meat’s next proving ground
Backed by a $1 million investment from Global Brain, Baltimore-based startup Offbeast is scaling a proprietary fiber assembly process to tackle texture, one of the category’s toughest challenges
How the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines are shifting America’s plate – and sparking debate
The newest Dietary Guidelines emphasize whole foods, protein and animal fats – a shift praised by some experts as overdue, but others warn the report is retro and insufficient
From spicy to made in the USA: FreshDirect maps 2026 food and beverage trends
FreshDirect’s 2026 trends point to a year defined by flavor staying power, premium hydration, chef-led grocery and a growing interest in US-made products
Retailers are reshaping access to healthy and affordable diets
Although top retailers highlight affordability and health, healthier products tend to be more expensive and promotional strategies are not typically used to drive their sales
American Egg Board launches sustainability tool to streamline disclosures for producers and buyers
Egg Board’s new sustainability tool aims to bring clarity, consistency and credibility to egg industry disclosures
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
Why Good Food Institute’s release of SciFi Foods’ cell lines matters as cultivated meat scales
As regulatory green lights multiply and cost‑efficient production ramps up, GFI’s release of SciFi Foods’ bovine cell lines could provide the common foundation the cultivated‑meat sector needs to accelerate commercial-scale growth
DHA in the spotlight: Opportunities for CPG brands to support moms and babies
Research underscores the critical role of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, in maternal and infant health – offering potential avenues for CPG brands to innovate products that meet nutritional needs
Trump orders sweeping probe into food price-fixing as grocery costs threaten GOP
Facing voter frustration and political risk, the White House directs DOJ and FTC to investigate potential price-fixing across the food chain as Republicans brace for midterm pressure
Coalitions urge Congress to accelerate US aquaculture as retailers lean into responsible seafood
The MARA Act aims to create a more straightforward path for expanding US offshore aquaculture in a way that’s economically viable, environmentally responsible, and responsive to retailers, foodservice operators and seafood brands looking for consistent...
Startup Spotlight
AI that speaks the language of CPG
What the food and beverage market needs isn’t just another AI model — it needs artificial intelligence that understands CPG-specific business
Consumers embrace gene-edited foods when brands focus on value, not science
Consumers are more open to gene-edited foods when benefits are clear, transparent, and aligned with their values – offering CPG brands a roadmap to communicate innovation effectively
EU bioeconomy strategy: What it means for food
The wide ranging strategy touches on both packaging and novel foods
What’s popular this Thanksgiving? Brining, baking and brand buzz
From budget-friendly feasts to playful twists, brands are blending affordability, nostalgia and creativity to win over holiday hosts
Top 5 F&B ingredients trends driving market growth towards $560bn
The global food and beverage ingredients market is booming. But what are the trends powering industry growth?
Middle East Focus: Food sector AI, coconut nectar, trout and more
Food sector AI, coconut nectar, trout and more feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
Patents plummet in alt proteins: Has innovation ground to a halt?
Alternative proteins have lost a lot of popularity in recent years, and this is reflected in IP activity
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
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
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
Private sector steps in as USDA funds partial SNAP benefits
With federal resources stretched thin, private and retail sector efforts grow critical to sustaining access and demand across SNAP shoppers
Top 5 Christmas confectionery trends 2025
Holidays are coming! Discover the confectionery trends driving festive sales in 2025
News Bites
Gen Z trends, UPF debate & Coca-Cola’s beverage pivot
Younger consumers redefine “healthy,” experts warn UPF rules may backfire and Coca-Cola bets big on protein and zero sugar
Consumers want better sleep: 5 ingredients for nighttime nutrition
Sleep is a key health goal among consumers globally. The food industry now has an opportunity to meet consumer demands
Government shutdown threatens CPG brands tied to SNAP and WIC
As the shutdown nears its fourth week, the SNAP and WIC funding crisis is rippling through retail supply chains, jeopardizing access to food and CPG category stability
UPF awareness rises but confusion reigns over what’s healthy, Non-GMO Project finds
Consumer concern about UPFs has surged, but understanding still lags far behind, according to new research from the Non-GMO Project