Why so many new product ideas are failing
Brands relying on large language models (LLMs) for innovation ideas are serving up a recipe for blandification, writes Dr Nicki Morley, global MD of innovation solutions for Kantar.
NPD
Shandy Shack unveils brand refresh as fruit beer demand heats up
The SHS Drinks-owned brand has redesigned its packaging and aligned its range to 2.5% ABV as it looks to capitalise on growing demand for fruit beer and shandy, with new entrants including PepsiCo’s 7UP Pink Shandy.
NPD: Ryvita launches Sticks ‘guilt-free’ alternative to crisps
Ryvita has launched ‘Ryvita Sticks’ – a new snack designed to tap into the growing demand for healthier snacking options.
NPD: Unilever taps into Korean trend with Creamy Cheese flavour noodle
Unilever is tapping into the demand for everything Korean by adding a new variant to its noodle brand, Namdong, with the launch of a new Creamy Cheese flavour.
NPD: Prince’s Napolina brings out new pasta stir-in range
Italian cooking brand Napolina has launched four new pasta stir-ins in a bid to offer a premium alternative to traditional pasta sauce.
Jamie Oliver Group Co-CEO Louise Holland launches new children’s lifestyle brand
A new children’s food brand called Gnome Rangers has launched with its first product in the sauces category called Rangers Tomato Ketchup, spearheaded by Jamie Oliver Group Co-CEO Louise Holland.
NPD: Old El Paso unveils Taco innovation
Old El Paso has revamped its taco product range to deliver “better flavour and better crunch”, alongside a range of new launches to tap into the growing trend for convenience.
Tropicana launches new Hydrate+ coconut water
Juice giant Tropicana is expanding its soft drinks portfolio with the launch of a new better-for-you beverage.
Paxo and OXO debut stuffing and beef ice creams
Premier Foods has launched Paxo Sage & Onion Stuffing and OXO beef flavoured ice creams as part of a celebration of ice cream and sorbets with a twist.
How AI is transforming reformulation
The food industry is in a state of semi-permanent reformulation - does artificial intelligence offer the solution to all our re-development woes?
McVitie’s enters savoury market with new Penguin snack
Biscuit manufacturer McVitie’s is expanding its savoury portfolio with the launch of an all-new snack.
Bounty protein powder hits shelves
Popular UK sports nutrition brand, Myprotein, has expanded its partnership with Mars Wrigley to roll out this latest new product.
World Cup Fever: Finsbury Food Group launches limited-edition England and Scotland cupcakes
The manufacturer is tapping into rising World Cup fever across England and Scotland with the launch of new limited-edition cupcake packs.
Student innovators compete in 2026 Ecotrophelia UK finals
The finalists for Ecotrophelia UK have been announced – a competition which challenges students to develop a sustainable and innovative food product from concept to market.
Ella’s Kitchen launches snacks for older toddlers
The UK baby food brand has launched a new range of products, geared towards older infants.
Nestlé’s Maggi enters ready meal market
Seasonings, instant soups and noodles brand Maggi has entered the ready meal market with the launch of its new Global Kitchen range.
Kenco targets Gen Z with new matcha latte options
British instant coffee brand Kenco is tapping into the stratospheric rise of matcha with the launch of two new matcha latte flavours, alongside an espresso concentrate drink.
Innocent debuts versatile dessert smoothies
Innocent has launched a trio of plant-based dessert-inspired smoothies which can be consumed in a variety of ways.
Dash expands line-up with low-calorie Pink Lady flavour
Dash Water and Pink Lady team up to develop new flavoured water as volatility continues to drive nostalgia.
Brands ramp up protein with fresh wave of food launches
Plenish, the Hungry Boar, THIS, and Quaker have all rolled out new protein-focused food products.
Matcha mania: The latest wave of green tea NPD
Brands race to innovate as matcha continues to gain ground in UK and US markets, with new launches from Alpro and Forest Feast among others.
April Fools 2026: Food brands serve up playful pranks
Did you fall for it? Here’s our roundup of the fun foodie pranks rolled out for April Fools, including Warburtons, Subway, Florette and others.
The latest drinks NPDs creating a buzz ahead of summer
Our latest new product round-up includes new launches from Tropicana, Bio&Me, and Carlsberg Britvic.
Frozen, non-HFSS and snacking trends drive NPD
Our latest NPD round-up includes new launches from Ice Kitchen, Rustlers, Pringles, and Higgidy.
The Jolly Hog looks to shake-up bacon innovation
British meat brand, The Jolly Hog, has launched a new range of extra-thick bacon - a category it says which has seen ‘little innovation’.
New product development
New beverage launches: Grey Goose Prada, Stoli RTD, Faccia and more…
Brands across alcohol, non‑alcohol and functional hydration are rolling out premium innovations, collaborations and reformulations that tap into fashion crossovers, natural ingredients and elevated at‑home drinking trends
NPD: Peperami meets Doritos in flavour-hit protein launch
This month’s launches features fresh innovations from Nestlé, Carlsberg Britvic’s London Essence, and Urban Farm‑Produce – plus a collaboration between Peperami and Doritos.
Linda McCartney Foods launches vegan high-protein dippers for schools
Linda McCartney Foods has unveiled its new vegan Chicken Style Dippers in a bid to support inclusive school menus.
Borough Broth unveils ‘UPF-free’ range of frozen stock cubes
Borough Broth is launching a new range of ‘UPF-free’ frozen broth cubes, designed to be a ‘healthier alternative’ to traditional stock cubes.
Heineken launches Cruzcampo ‘Sevilla Orange’ on UK market ahead of summer
Brewing giant Heineken is set to launch a new variant of its Cruzcampo beer, expanding its British portfolio.
Bio&Me taps into pistachio craze with two new SKUs
Gut health food and drink brand Bio&Me is expanding its breakfast portfolio with the roll-out of two new pistachio-based launches.
Valentine Day launches and promotions: Baileys, Dr Pepper, and more
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Food Manufacture rounds-up some of the latest launches hitting shelves for the romantic season.
Fudge Kitchen competition results in new flavour launch
Fudge Kitchen hosted its annual New Year, New Flavour competition, with its teams across the country tasked with creating a new, limited-edition flavour.
PepsiCo ‘mashes up’ its brands in new Flavour Swap line
PepsiCo Foods is launching a limited-edition ‘flavour swap’ marketing campaign which sees a number of its iconic brands coming together.
Monster Energy adds new ‘Viking Berry’ flavour to its ‘Juiced’ line-up
Energy drink brand Monster is ‘juicing up’ its offering with the launch of its new ‘Viking Berry’ flavour
Gü expands its portfolio by tapping into pistachio’s surging popularity
British dessert brand Gü is expanding its product portfolio with the launch of its new Salted Pistachio Cheesecake.
New savoury high-protein snack bar hits stores
FRANK – a new savoury snacking brand – has secured its first UK retail listing with Whole Foods Market UK.
Ben & Jerry’s kicks off year with cookie dough ice cream sandwich
Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s has launched a new cookie dough ice cream sandwich onto the UK market.
Co-op unveils range of Ozempic-friendly ready meals for the new year
Supermarket chain Co-op has launched a new own-brand range of meals to complement weight loss medication as part of a new ‘Good Fuel’ health offer.
Richmond launches latest meat-free NPD just in time for Christmas
Richmond Sausages is set to expand its meat-free portfolio with the launch of a new sub-range, ‘Veggie Tasty’.
Welsh rugby legend expands Biltong brand with major supermarket launch
Sheriff’s Biltong, co-founded by Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend Ken Owens and West Wales food producer Ruth Davies, is championing local farming and food heritage.
Food Manufacture’s best NPDs of 2025
2025 has been a bumper year for wildly innovative, viral NPDs that have pushed boundaries harder than ever before.
Quorn reformulates fillets to remove all artificial ingredients
Quorn has removed all artificial ingredients from its fillets, with the new products now only containing three ingredients.
Lactalis launches spreadable truffle brie with aims to become festive fav
Président owner Lactalis UK & Ireland is hoping to capitalise on the increasing festive popularity of French soft cheeses to launch Président Spreadable Creamy Brie with Truffle.
Pilgrim’s Europe unveils 170+ festive products
Pilgrim’s Europe is gearing up for the festive season with the launch of more than 170 seasonal products, tapping into consumer demands for ‘picky teas.’
NPD: The Groovy Food Company launches first new products in four years
The Groovy Food Company has added three new products to its cooking and baking essentials range - Organic Matcha Agave, Organic Coconut Syrup, and Hot Honey.
Food made from urine to be trialled in space station
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a deal with Finnish start-up Solar Foods to launch a trial to see if astronauts can use a protein powder made from urine.
Renshaw Baking launches first in innovation pipeline
Renshaw Baking, the British Bakels-owned brand, has unveiled a raft of new products in the cake decorating category.
Grind moves into RTD alcoholic drinks market
Grind, the specialty coffee roaster, restaurant and coffee shop operator, has moved into the alcoholic ready-to-drink (RTD) market with the launch of its first cocktail in a can - the signature Grind Espresso Martini.
Disney collaborates with food and drink manufacturers for Lilo and Stitch
Disney is collaborating with food and drink manufacturers to launch a range of chilled meals and flavoured drinks for its well-known characters of Lilo and Stitch.