News & Analysis for the Beverage Industry
Up the food chain
In the face of trade barriers and fierce competition, American Whiskey Association CEO Michael Bilello is determined to make US whiskey the ‘world’s whiskey’, no matter the odds
Demand for drinks promising everything from gut health to better sleep is soaring, but brands face growing pressure to back up their claims with robust science and regulatory compliance
Faster trend cycles, retailer demands and shrinking product lifecycles are reshaping food and beverage innovation
AI is recognizing brands that solve a problem, according to new data
The definition is under debate in the UK, as producers seek to align with other European countries
Every major soft drinks category saw growth in 2025, with a new report revealing record value for the sector.
Summer Fancy Food Show
NielsenIQ says shifting shopping habits, online growth and changing drivers of consumer trust are redefining the path to purchase and opening doors for specialty manufacturers
Impacts from the Iran conflict have rippled across the global food system, with disruption taking an overall toll on food security and supply chains
China’s alcohol beverage market is in a “structural reset” with younger consumers, casual social events and at home drinking replacing the business occasion as a key driver.
Private equity is reshaping food and beverage, but rising costs raise questions over just how far it can go
Active consumers want high-protein drinks that are both nutritious and refreshing. Clear whey has become a key ingredient for such formulations
Coca-Cola has added a juice and a milk to its roster of billion-dollar brands. How did they reach superstar status?
The border closure between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised concerns over potential disruption to coffee trade - but is there a risk to global coffee prices?
Changing drinking habits and inflation are shaking up the economics of alcohol
Is there more to marketing than social media?
Global Food Tech Awards
Calling all EMEA food and beverage startups - applications are now open and entry is free
Danone, Nestlé and Lactalis have all jumped onto the ‘smart food’ bandwagon via bolt-on acquisitions. Why is the segment so strategically important?
The Consumer Price Index rose 0.5% in May and 4.2% year over year, driven largely by a fresh energy price spike, even as food‑at‑home inflation inched up just 0.1%
The Chinese spirit has a lot to offer, with some powerful brands and consumers’ thirst for exotic tastes
TFWA 2026
Australian distillery Four Pillars is reinventing what gin innovation looks like, experimenting with bold new flavours that leap beyond classic botanicals
Fibre is the next protein
Nearly 90% of World Cup viewers plan on food and beverage purchases, fueling $7.5 billion in spending
Inflation is shaking up how much consumers are prepared to pay.
How GLP-1s influence taste is a complex picture. Here’s what food and beverage manufacturers need to know
Inflation is pushing more people to drink at home - and opening up unexpected opportunities for alcohol brands
With matches in Europe running late into the night, consumers will be looking for alternatives to alcohol
Whether it’s in non-alc or alcohol, flavour is what tempts consumers to try new beverages and keeps them coming back for more...
Is GLP-1 messaging a golden ticket to sales success - or does it risk alienating other consumers?
Kantar BrandZ reveals which brands dominate the global beverage alcohol market
Kantar BrandZ’s rankings shows a 7% decline in value of the world’s top 20 alcohol brands. So what’s the key to building a powerful brand in this new era?
Confectionery trends: Balancing better-for-you trends and indulgence
Candy-inspired nostalgia could give RTD tea a much-needed spark, as brands like Ryl Tea use confectionery flavors to attract younger, health-conscious consumers into the category
Florida-based functional drinks firm PHX has launched a hydration-energy drink designed to meet growing demand for multifunctional beverages
Shandong-based Lv Jie launches RTD apple cider vinegar with apple juice and prebiotics – a younger, tastier makeover to attract younger consumers
AI is accelerating reformulation, automation and data-led decision making at a pace that is already reshaping roles across the food and drink workforce
A recent court case involving Mondelēz suggests FMCGs could be penalised for reducing pack sizes. But is this really the case?
To appeal to coffee aficionados, alt dairy brands must prove barista-level functionality, compete on taste and flavour innovation, and look beyond sustainability
RTD alcohol remains a bright spot in today’s difficult alcohol market
At 15% ABV, BuzzBallz shows Gen Z still has plenty of appetite for alcohol. And it’s not the only brand finding success with this demographic
Demand for clean label has finally reached the alcohol category: but what does that mean in practice?
From cold coffee to protein shakes, ready-to-drink is emerging as a winning format for dairy brands
The emergence of ‘Ozempic personality’ is intensifying questions about how GLP-1s are changing cravings, impulse eating and reward-seeking behaviour
From flavour and functionality to fun: here are the five crucial areas every functional beverage must address
As cocoa markets fluctuate, Hershey’s controversy shows that while alt-chocolate is advancing fast, taste and transparency remain make-or-break for consumers
FBIF 2026
Cranberry specialist Ocean Spray is leveraging multiple health benefits and bright red red visual appeal to tailor products for China, aligning innovation with local tastes
Climate change is hitting vineyards around the world - but there remain surprising pockets of growth
The Philippine government sets aside PHP2.5bn (US$40.6m) for farm-to-market roads that open access to 29,000 hectares to boost coffee production as it shifts towards high-value crop exports.
China’s WALOVI is seeking growth globally in markets from the Middle East to Africa for its traditional herbal teas
Wine consumers are changing
C-suite exits are mounting across Big Food, but behind the scandals lies a deeper performance and innovation problem
With so many choices, could consumers be put off the category entirely?