Explosion in UK demand for GLP-1s risks NHS capacity crisis
New data has revealed that millions of people in the UK are turning to GLP‑1 weight loss drugs, marking a rapid surge in demand that the NHS will be unable to keep pace with.
Trends & Analysis
Convenience to lose market share despite £740BN forecast
Global convenience is set to hit £740 billion by 2030, but will lose market share, according to figures released by the Institute for Grocery Distribution (IGD).
10 CEO scandals that shook food and drink
Amid a wave of high‑profile CEO changes in food and drink, we reflect on the biggest leadership controversies of the past 50 years
Magnum’s ‘multisensorial’ ice cream tops FMCG NPD chart
New analysis from Worldpanel by Numerator places Magnum’s Utopia ice cream among the top innovative products for 2025.
Nestlé weathers formula crisis to deliver strong Q1 growth
Nestlé overcomes infant formula recall to deliver solid Q1 growth, powered by Coffee and Confectionery
Healthy F&B: What the modern consumer wants
A new report from Lumina Intelligence has outlined the key trends shaping UK consumers’ expectations when it comes to healthy food and drink.
45% of Brits cutting back amidst health trends and GLP-1s
Almost half of British adults (45%) are now following a specific diet as health continues to lead the charge.
10 iconic food and drink brands that flopped worldwide
From New Coke to Crystal Pepsi, even the biggest brands can fail fast
Why five-year plans no longer cut it for food businesses
Traditionally focused on much shorter-term horizons, the food sector is increasingly being forced to look way ahead as climate change and geopolitical unrest become the norm.
US naval blockade of Iran sparks global trade shock
The US has halted all seaborne commercial trade to and from Iranian ports following the failure of peace talks, a move industry experts warn will further bake volatility into energy markets, supply chains and UK growth.
2026 Drinks Report
Food Manufacture’s 2026 Drinks Report is out now, shining a spotlight on the key trends and developments shaping business patterns across the industry over the past year.
Dutch pig slaughter falls by 780K in five years
Abattoirs in the Netherlands processed the lowest number of pigs in the first quarter of 2026 since 2009.
Brits ditching certain foods as they face £6K annual grocery bill
New data has showed the impact of grinding inflation on UK households, with 61% saying they’re cutting back on their food shopping due to increasing costs.
European plant-based market hits €16.3BN
The plant-based food category is now worth €16.3 billion across six European markets and open for further growth, data from Circana shows.
California pushes ‘non-UPF’ seal as certifications multiply and confusion grows
A proposed state-backed label aims to simplify ultra-processed food choices, but could competing definitions and private certifications risk muddying the message for consumers and complicate reformulation efforts?
Unilever and McCormick shares tumble as investors baulk at food ‘megamerger’
Shares in both Unilever and McCormick Foods have fallen sharply following the announcement of their planned deal for the former’s food division.
Unilever spins off food division: What does it mean for manufacturers?
Experts discuss Unilever’s food megamerger with McCormick and what lies in store for the FMCG giant.
EU trade hurdles dent UK food export volumes
The overall value of UK food and drink exports rose to a record high in 2025, but export volumes lag behind pre-Brexit figures.
Turmoil in Tehran: How the Iran War will impact UK food prices
The Iran War is now well into its fourth week, and its global economic consequences are beginning to hit home.
Why did Danone buy Huel?
This week saw Danone announce its acquisition of Huel - but given its already strong health portfolio, why didn’t it just develop its own equivalent?
PepsiCo is in the middle of its biggest snack reset in years
From SKU cuts and factory closures to functional launches and acquisitions, PepsiCo is moving fast to streamline and prove its snack empire still matters
Gut health trend enters new era
The gut health trend is entering its next phase – one shaped by sharper science, smarter consumers and big opportunities
Unilever eyes major food split
Unilever’s latest shake‑up could transform the future of food and drink. Here’s what the potential sell‑off means for the CPG giant, and the wider industry
BrewDog and Innis & Gunn: What next for the UK’s embattled craft beer darlings?
Financial experts have their say on what the future holds for BrewDog and Innis & Gunn as both firms are picked up in rescue deals.
Data: Alarming new research reveals threat GLP-1s pose to food and drink sector
New research has revealed that as many as 8% of Britons now use weight loss drugs, with a further 14% considering their use in the future.
UK obesity epidemic: The UPF scapegoat debate
Industry experts have their say on ultra processed food and the UK’s obesity crisis.
Nestlé drops the scoop: What its ice cream exit signals
What does Nestlé’s ice cream exit means for the sector and the FMCG giants? Iwan Thomas, associate at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, explores.
2026: The year of persistent cost pressures and weak consumer demand
The Food and Drink Federations’ (FDF) State of the Industry report Q4 2026 predicts 2026 to be a year defined by weak consumer demand and sustained cost pressures, as confidence among both manufacturers and consumers remains low.
Who is the UK’s favourite supermarket?
Marks & Spencer has been named as the UK’s favourite supermarket, according to a customer satisfaction poll by Which?
Are ready meals ready for GLP-1?
Louise Forster-Smith, innovation director at Hot Pickle dives into the world of ‘GLP-1-friendly’ ready meals to find out if healthier formats can move beyond niche appeal.
Carlsberg results bolstered by Britvic
Carlsberg has reported strong growth in its 2025 financial statement, driven by the acquisition of Britvic.
Sainsbury’s goes protein wild
The retailer is the latest in a long line to launch new ranges which leverage the ever-popular trends of high protein and nutrient dense mini meals.
Food and drink trends report 2026
Food Manufacture’s annual trends report is out now, highlighting the top consumer movements within food and beverage.
Finsbury Food Group launches cake ‘bento boxes’
The baking manufacturer has rolled out a new, limited edition celebration cake offering that taps into the rising trend of bento cakes.
Why NewPrinces snapped up Plasmon in €124.3BN deal
Following the Princes Group owner acquisition, Food Manufacture examines what drove the purchase and the business’s wider European ambitions.
Six UK retailers keeping up with the weight loss jab craze
A flurry of weight loss food ‘companions’ have recently arrived on UK supermarket shelves, designed to help those using weight loss drugs get the right levels of nutrients they need.
Sainsbury’s bumper festive sales overshadowed by Argos pressures
The retailer is celebrating a strong festive period in which it saw a healthy rise in grocery sales – tempered by non-food and Argos pressures.
Lidl claims “biggest Christmas ever” with British-made SKUs topping the charts
Discount supermarket Lidl is claiming its “biggest Christmas ever” underpinned by a £1.1 billion turnover across the festive period.
UK food and drink exports to EU plummet
Food and drink exports to the European Union are down almost a quarter over the last five years compared to pre-Brexit, analysis from the Food & Drink Federation (FDF) has shown.
The top three trends in food supplement and nutrition in 2026
Food supplement and nutrition products are, increasingly, a key part of the health-conscious consumer’s modern lifestyle. Anna Larsson, category leader at Tetra Pak shares what she’s been seeing and where the opportunity lies.
F&B manufacturing in review 2025
As the end of another year draws to a close, Food Manufacture takes a moment to reflect on the big events that shaped 2025.
UK inflation slows with food and drink prices easing
UK inflation has fallen to 3.2%, its lowest level for eight months, new statistics released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed.
Disinformation tsunami: Is TikTok a threat to the food industry?
In an alarming development for food manufacturers, new research has revealed that over a third of Gen Z would rather turn to TikTok and other social media platforms for dietary and allergenic guidance, instead of seeking professional advice.
UK consumers set to spend £20BN on groceries ahead of festive season
Consumers are anticipated to spend almost £20 billion on groceries in the four weeks to 27 December - an increase of around 2.8% on last year.
Retailers ramp up holiday promotions amid cost-of-living crisis
Promotional items drove supermarket sales during November as the cost-of-living continues to impact on shoppers, the latest research from Worldpanel by Numerator has revealed.
Coronation Food Project delivers almost 5,000t of food to communities
The Coronation Food Project has delivered almost 5,000 tonnes more food to communities in need as it hit its second anniversary this month.
Lidl GB adds £14.5BN to UK economy
Lidl GB has published its first ever socioeconomic impact report revealing that it delivered £14.5 billion in Gross Value Added to the British economy in 2024.
How will the Budget impact the food and drink industry?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Budget in the House of Commons revealing a £26 billion increase in taxes.
How low can you go? Aldi vows to ‘beat rivals’ on Christmas dinner prices
As families wait to find out how the Budget will impact their finances, Aldi’s CEO has said the retailer will keep Christmas grocery costs as ‘low as possible’.
The top 100 hottest global F&B start-ups
Exclusive data analysis carried out by FutureBridge on behalf of Food Manufacture has identified the top 100 hottest food and drink start-ups worldwide.