The latest food and drink NPD
From Ben & Jerry’s mashups to refreshing fruity flavours from Roundtree, frozen sweet treats lead this week’s round-up of new product launches from food and drink manufacturers.
Trends & Analysis
Brits trust UK food more than their water
Trust in UK food has reached its highest level since 2021, following three years of falling confidence in food standards.
What are UK manufacturers prioritising this year?
Despite uncertainty over policy changes and the pressure of rising costs, Made UK’s 2025 executive survey found that the manufacturing sector is feeling generally optimistic, with many looking to focus on NPD and digital transformation as an opportunity...
Brits struggle to interpret food labels
More than a third of Brits struggle to interpret food labels, while less than half feel current labels provide sufficient information for making healthy food choices, according to new research.
UK Shoppers spend £14.6bn on food over Christmas
UK shoppers spent more than £14bn on groceries last Christmas, with sushi, antipasti and chilled bread some of the big winners over the festive period.
The biggest food and drink trends 2025
Food Manufacture’s editor reports on the biggest food and drink trends shaping the sector this year.
Walker’s Shortbread calls Royal Warrant win ‘particularly poignant’
More than 300 Royal Warrants were granted last month, with a notable number of food and drink manufacturers and suppliers making the cut.
Badger Brewery tastes success following brand relaunch
Independent family brewer Badger Brewery has seen a 50% uplift in sales since relaunching in 2023, outpacing a general decline of the overall premium bottled ales (PBAs) category.
International sugar prices fall
Despite steady monthly increases for most of 2024, the FAO’s Food Price Index remained below 2023 levels overall, with price drops across several categories including sugar seeing December prices ease.
Societal pressures a barrier towards lo and no alcohol acceptance
Low alcohol drinks are becoming more accepted by consumers, but social barriers are forcing drinkers to choose alcoholic options.
Brussels sprouts 25% bigger this Christmas
Brussel sprouts are set to be up to 25% bigger this Christmas thanks to new varieties and good growing conditions, according to Tesco.
Quality Street top pick for consumers as Christmas
Brits will be giving the gift of chocolate this Christmas as Quality Street is named to top brand shared among 25-34 year olds this December, according to new research by OnePoll.
UK shops healthier as consumers cut back at Christmas
UK consumers are reducing the amount they eat and drink over Christmas, as overindulgence makes way for healthier choices and smarter purchasing this festive period.
5 big moments of 2024
As another year draws to a close, Food Manufacture’s editor reflects on some of the biggest moments of the year and their impact on the food and drink industry.
Food Manufacture’s favourite NPD of 2024
This year has been chock full of brilliant new product launches from food and drink manufacturers. Food Manufacture counts down the 12 days of Christmas with 12 of its favourite NPD of 2024.
Carnivore comeback: UK meat sales rising
Fresh meat and poultry sales rising, whilst plant-based falls, NIQ data reveals
Triple whammy hit on manufacturers could see food prices rise by 4.9%
UK food businesses will face significant financial challenges next year, with food bills in 2025 having increased by 40% over the last five years, Institute of Grocery Distribution finds.
Budget worries impacting SME confidence
Nearly half of UK small businesses say National Insurance increases in the budget will negatively impact them as they struggle with taxes and costs like energy and property.
Sustainability and health key drivers in pet food purchases
Sustainability is the key driver for pet food purchases, with consumers more likely to purchase healthier options for their furry family members, according to new research.
UK remains committed to EU imports
The UK’s food and beverage sector remains committed to EU imports, according to a new report from the European Commission (EC).
More than 90% of supermarket loyalty prices offer ‘genuine’ savings
A new investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that 92% of loyalty priced products in supermarkets offer ‘genuine’ savings against the usual price.
Will UPF debates force a shift in food and drink manufacturing?
Just weeks after the House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee published the results of its eagerly awaited enquiry, Food Manufacture brought together six experts to discuss how conversations around ultra processed are shaping the sector.
Feature
Driving sustainability in food and drink manufacturing
Sustainability is the buzz word of the hour for manufacturers, but how is the food and drink industry adapting their practices to better serve the environment and where can they draw inspiration from to start lowering emissions across their supply chains?
News
UK FMCG growth recovery lags behind European neighbours
Spain and Italy are propelling FMCG growth, amidst sluggish recovery across Northern European, finds Circana’s latest FMCG Demand Signals report.
News
Alternative protein innovation falls
Innovation in plant-based and cultivated meat has dropped, according to the latest patent data from Appleyard Lees.
News
Shrinking portions encourage fall in meat consumption
Smaller portion sizes prove to be more effective than meat-free days in driving Brits meat consumption down, researchers find.
Long read
7 major food safety risks
Food Manufacture’s editor summarises the biggest risks flagged at this year’s annual Food Safety Briefing.
News
Consumer confidence and spending trends
Savanta’s Q3 Consumer Compass 2024 report highlights where European consumers are tightening their wallets and what’s influencing their purchases when they do spend.
Short read
How to win in sustainability
Although UK consumers want to make sustainable decisions when it comes to their food shop, consumers say it’s too difficult to identify a sustainable product.
News
Sustainability action needed now or there will be no industry by 2030
Food and drink firms need to collaborate and take action now to become more sustainable, or there won’t be an industry by 2030, members of industry were warned at the launch of the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF’s) Ambition 2030 sustainability strategy.
News
House of Lords health and obesity recommendations 2024
Following several evidence gathering sessions, the House of Lords has published a set of recommendations for the Government to address diet-related illness in the UK. Here’s an easy breakdown of the main takeaways.
News
Retailers urged to set targets for plant-based sales
Three major eco-advocates have team up to develop a standardised way for retailers to compare their meat and plant-based protein sales, encouraging them to favour the latter.
News
Lidl triples plant-based range
Lidl has announced plans to more than triple its range of plant-based products after demand saw double digit growth over the past year.
Feature
Bakery manufacturing trends and insights October 2024
Food Manufacture explores the trends driving NPD and production in bakery as well as analysing how to adapt to the challenges surrounding ingredients sourcing in today’s tough geopolitical climate.
News
More than half of UK food packaged in ‘unnecessary’ plastic
More than half of the food found in UK supermarkets is packaged in unnecessary plastic that could be replaced with alternatives, according to a new report from sustainable packaging firm DS Smith.
News
82% of consumers agree this is missing from supermarket shelves
There is good news for international brands wanting to target the UK market, as research finds 90% of Brits are open to trying new international flavours.
News
Organic outperforms conventional food market
Organic food and drink outperformed the conventional market in the past year, as the sector ‘bounced back’ from the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.
News
Demand for British brands on the rise in the US
British brands are growing in popularity in the US, with more than a third of consumers likely to purchase UK products, but price pressures are hindering their growth of the market.
News
The future of food standards in the UK at risk: FSA report
Ongoing shortages of key food safety and standards professionals are threatening the future of food standards in the UK, according to a new report from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS).
Food Forensics
Are heavy metals an emerging risk in tomatoes and salad crops?
Amid reports of cadmium contamination in tomatoes and in anticipation of Food Manufacture's upcoming Food Safety Briefing later this month, food safety expert Alison Johnson examines the gravity of this heavy metal threat.
Long read
Christmas food and drink trends 2024
As the leaves begin to turn brown and the heating is switched on, Food Manufacture explores what will be popular F&B picks among consumers shopping baskets this Christmas.
Short read
The biggest threats to UK food safety
The UK is known for its commitment to food safety, but the last few years have given way to new opportunities for unscrupulous activity. As the saying goes, we are only as strong as our weakest link – are you ready for what's to come...?
News
UK red meat exports hit £860m in first half of 2024
UK red meat exports were worth £860m in the first half of 2024, with the market on track to hit record volumes reported in 2022.
Feature
Drivers and developments in free-from food production
As consumers seek free-from food products for both dietary and lifestyle reasons, Food Manufacture explores the major trends driving growth in the market and key considerations producers need to take into account when manufacturing these products.
News
Campden BRI invests in new wine lab
Campden Wine Services, based at the Surrey Research Park in Guildford, has opened its doors to spur on opportunities in wine UK production.
News
5 new UK retail partnerships
Food Manufacture rounds up the latest products claiming online and bricks and mortar shelf space in the UK.
News
Brewdog RTD cocktail brand secures major 680-strong listing win
The Wonderland Cocktails range from Brewdog Distilling Co., is now available in 460 Sainsbury’s stores and 220 Waitrose locations across the UK.
News
AHDB leads UK cover crop research project
A network on regional cover crop champions have been appointed across the UK to address complications associated with this farming technique and share lessons.
Feature
You are what you eat
Food Manufacture explores the movement towards ‘mood inspired’ products within food and drink and the trends you should be keeping top of mind.
News
5 F&B NPD launches
Health, costs and fakeaways continue to be a big hits among new product launches, as Food Manufacture rounds up the latest food and drink SKUs to hit UK retailers.