East meets West: How AI and social commerce are reshaping the future of retail
Social commerce and agentic AI are colliding to create a new commerce paradigm – and NielsenIQ says manufacturers and retailers need to get ahead of it now
Archives for May 28, 2026
Walmart leads but Costco and Dollar General are gaining ground with shoppers
New data from Placer.ai reveals shifting shopper dynamics among the top four big-box chains – and what it means for CPG brands navigating an increasingly consolidated retail landscape
Confectionery trends: Balancing better-for-you trends and indulgence
Cracks in chocolate’s ‘affordable luxury’ status could signal broader shopper shifts
Chocolate is still growing in dollars, but the real story is what unit declines and demographic shifts may reveal about changing confection preferences
Danone’s €1bn Huel bid sparks competition scrutiny
Danone’s €1bn bid for Huel faces CMA scrutiny, highlighting rising regulatory pressures on Big Food
Bake less, sell more: How bakers can capitalise on frozen bakery growth
Labour shortages, seasonal celebrations and social media trends are turning frozen cakes into one of bakery’s fastest-growing opportunities
The Portuguese tartlet that’s conquering the world
Santa Nata’s 10 millionth sale shows how the pastel de nata has evolved from a Lisbon monastery pastry into one of bakery’s fastest-growing global opportunities
Brewing loyalty: How coffee is powering bakery footfall
Coffee’s not just a pick-me-up anymore. It’s helping bakeries pull ahead in a slowing market
What artisan bakers can learn from the fashion, fragrance and scarcity culture
Today’s smartest bakeries aren’t just selling desserts – they’re selling aspiration, atmosphere and the emotional pull of exclusivity wrapped in laminated dough