Retailer & shopper insights

Battle of the trends 2025

Battle of the trends 2025

By Donna Eastlake

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?

Sweet indulgence: 7 hot chocolate trends

Sweet indulgence: 7 hot chocolate trends

By Rachel Arthur

Hot chocolate is all about beautiful presentations and luxury serves: but there's more to this indulgent treat than meets the eye...

What is driving the MENA snack boom?

What is driving the MENA snack boom?

By Gill Hyslop

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?

5 popular UK products hit hard by shrinkflation

5 popular UK products hit hard by shrinkflation

By Gill Hyslop

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?

Snack shake-up: Six gamechanging collabs redefining NPD

Snack shake-up: Six gamechanging collabs redefining NPD

By Gill Hyslop

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 smart: The surge in nutritious nibbles

Snack smart: The surge in nutritious nibbles

By Rachel Truman

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

NPD: Sprouting new innovation with plant-based snacks

By Gill Hyslop

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.

The trending treats for Fourth of July: From swicy to the pretzel bun

The trending treats for Fourth of July: From swicy to the pretzel bun

By Gill Hyslop

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?

Why are people with celiac disease suffering more at the tills?

By Gill Hyslop

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?

NPD: What’s sweetening the bakery aisle?

By Gill Hyslop

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...

NPD: The viral Snackle Box and how to fill it

NPD: The viral Snackle Box and how to fill it

By Gill Hyslop

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.

Rising above with NPD: The new dough-mains of healthier bread

Rising above with NPD: The new dough-mains of healthier bread

By Gill Hyslop

The humble staple has been a part of the fabric of life since the Neolithic era, rising to an everyday essential during the 19th Century with the advent of industrial milling processes. Fast forward a century and it was unfairly tarred with negative...