Easter egg launches, fudge selection boxes and spreadable vegan cheeses all feature in our round-up of the latest food and drink product launches this month.
The availability of seasonal staff, increasing cost pressures and the rise of veganism are all key challenges that will shape the future of food and drink in the UK, according to Regency Purchasing Group.
The growth of plant-based foods is continuing, with the traditional meat-eating US seeing retail sales increase by 11% in 2019 bringing its market value to $5bn (£3.9bn).
A bigger focus on seasonal goods and developing new vegan products will guide the future of Fatherson Bakery, Small Bakery Manufacturing Company of the Year at the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2020.
The future of farming in the UK post-Brexit, the growing trend of plant-based foods and trade negotiations outside the EU were standout discussions at this year’s Business Leaders’ Forum, according to chair Geoff Eaton.
Barry Callebaut – the chocolatier behind the launch of ruby chocolate – has launched a completely dairy-free chocolate into its Plant Craft range of products.
Over 400,000 people turned vegan in January – up from 250,000 in 2019 – according to organisers of the annual Veganuary initiative, which encourages people to give up meat consumption for the month.
Calls for clean-label foods are put on the backburner in favour of creating products that are tastier and have a better mouthfeel, according to ingredients supplier Griffith Foods.
Nestlé plans to accelerate the development of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives with lower carbon footprints through a partnership with two key players in the plant protein sector.
The environment, sustainability, skills and the sugar tax topped the agenda at this year’s Food Manufacture’s Business Leaders’ Forum, according to host sponsor Walker Morris.