Why Chocolate Costs so Much Now, when Cocoa’s Price Is at a Three‑year Low
Chocolate prices remain high this Easter despite cocoa falling to a three‑year low of about $3,165 per ton. The lag is due to manufacturers still drawing on cocoa inventories purchased at peak prices and to rising costs in packaging, oil, labour and logistics. Producers are also investing in cocoa‑free or lab‑grown alternatives, which adds R&D expenses. Analysts expect modest price relief only after 2026‑27 as surplus supplies persist and geopolitical pressures ease.
Supermarkets Take Centre Stage at Sustainable Seafood Awards
Australian supermarkets dominated the 2026 Sustainable Seafood Awards, with Aldi Australia securing the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s Best Responsible Seafood Retailer award for the fourth year in a row. Coles was honoured as the Marine Stewardship Council’s Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket,...
Surfside Blueberry Lemonade and Half & Half Variety Pack
Surfside, a Stateside Brands label, unveiled a Blueberry Lemonade vodka RTD and a Half & Half Variety Pack featuring Iced Tea, Raspberry, Mango and Blackberry flavors. The new offerings arrive in spring, each 100‑calorie, 2‑gram sugar cans, priced at $10.99 for a...
Modernization Investments Improve Operator Safety
Food manufacturers are accelerating investments in digital tools, modern HMIs, and automation to boost operator safety while maintaining higher line speeds. Companies such as Rockwell Automation, Grote, and QAD Redzone are delivering training modules, video SOPs, and iPad‑based learning to...
Consumer Expectations Drive Innovation in Plastic Packaging
Consumer demand for portable, on‑the‑go beverage solutions is cementing PET as the packaging material of choice. PET bottles combine lightweight durability, cost efficiency, and versatile filling technologies, supporting single‑serve formats across water, tea, coffee and functional drinks. Sustainability pressures are...
Trending: A Redesigned No Frills, Dollarama's Price Strategy and More!
Canadian grocery retailers are revamping store designs, pricing policies and brand messaging. No Frills opened its first modern‑look store in Komoka, Ontario, while Food Basics debuted a similar aesthetic in Brampton. Dollarama’s CEO pledged to limit price pass‑throughs, tying adjustments to...
Jollibee to Open New Location on East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan
Jollibee announced a new restaurant at 14 East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, slated to open on March 31, 2026. The outlet will be the brand’s third Manhattan location, positioned between Fifth and Madison Avenues near Grand Central Station. It will operate daily from...
Heineken Leads Alcoholic Beverage Sports Sponsorship Spending in EMEA for 2025
Heineken spent $163.93 million on 43 sports sponsorship deals in EMEA during 2025, representing 26.5 % of all alcoholic‑beverage brand spend in the region. Soccer accounted for the bulk of the investment, delivering 72.4 % of total sponsorship value. Europe dominated the market,...
Guest Lecture: Sourmilk's Kiki Couchman
Kiki Couchman, co‑founder of Sourmilk, has spent the past 14 months building a gut‑health focused Greek yogurt brand that is now stocked in New York grocery aisles. She and partner Elan Halpern left tech and finance jobs in early 2025 to...
Bringing Health Through Food
Danone Canada, originating from the early‑1900s Delisle yogurt brand, has evolved into one of the nation’s largest food and beverage companies. Its flagship Boucherville plant now produces more than one‑third of all dairy yogurts sold in Canada, and the firm...
Trade Agreements Extend Europe’s Food Quality Rules Beyond Its Borders
The European Union is embedding its geographical indication (GI) system into major trade agreements, extending protected food‑quality standards to markets in Latin America, Oceania, Japan, Canada, China and India. Recent deals with Australia and the Mercosur bloc will recognize hundreds...
Costco’s ‘Got That Dog’ in New Bourbon With Iconic $1.50 Hot Dog on the Label
Costco quietly added a new single‑barrel bourbon titled “I Got That Dog In Me,” featuring the retailer’s iconic $1.50 hot‑dog label. The Rare Character bottling, 126.1 proof and priced at $85.99, was limited to one bottle per member and initially...
This Year, Easter Traditions Take a Back Seat to Value
In 2026 Canadian Easter meals are being reshaped by price pressures. Retail data shows turkey under $2 per pound and ham now cheaper, while lamb has surged to $5‑20 per pound, making it a premium item. Chocolate prices also rose...
On Menorca, an Olive Oil Identity Shaped by Soil, Sea and Wind
Son Felip, a farm in northern Menorca, earned a Silver Award at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for its Koroneiki monovarietal extra virgin olive oil. The producer uses regenerative agriculture, early‑harvest processing, and biodiversity‑focused practices that boost polyphenol...
New Energy Gel Redefines Running Fuel Through Community
Running culture is evolving, and its fuel is finally catching up., paolabsjelly is an energy gel brand redefining the category through flavor, culture and community-first building. Read the full article to see how the founders are building the next running fuel essential.
Sommelier Program Returns to New York for 10th Edition
The Olive Oil Times Education Lab’s Sommelier Certificate Program is back in New York’s Flatiron District for its 10th annual edition, a milestone for the five‑day intensive course. The flagship program delivers rigorous training in sensory analysis, production methods, health benefits,...
How Food Manufacturing Process Visibility Protects Product Quality and Profitability
Food manufacturers are turning to in‑tank vision and integrated visibility systems to eliminate blind spots during critical process stages. By adding sanitary sight glasses, LED lighting, cameras and wiper assemblies, operators can detect fouling, incomplete cleaning, and formulation drift before...
Tequila Cocktails That Go Beyond the Margarita
Imbibe Magazine highlights a growing movement to push tequila beyond the Margarita, showcasing a curated list of inventive cocktails that pair the spirit with ingredients like pistachio, coffee, chocolate mole, and citrus spritzes. James Beard semifinalist Dan Suro of La...
With Its 30th Anniversary, Italian Craft Beer Comes of Age
Italian craft beer marks its 30th anniversary, highlighting a transformation from obscure microbreweries to an internationally recognized scene. Pioneers like Birrificio Italiano introduced the Italian‑style pilsner, now a flagship export, while domestic hop farms and ingredient sourcing have reduced reliance...
The Dirty Dozen Debate Continues - What You Need to Know, The Bee Crisis, and a Coffee Worth Talking About
The Environmental Working Group’s annual Dirty Dozen list returned this spring, sparking renewed debate over pesticide residues versus actual health risk. While the list now incorporates EPA toxicity scores, critics argue it still ignores dose‑response risk assessment, and USDA data...
Wendy's Updates Spicy Chicken Sandwich with New Recipe, Panko Breading
Wendy's has refreshed its Spicy Chicken Sandwich, swapping the classic coating for a panko‑style breading infused with nine spices and a new Southern‑inspired mayonnaise. The sandwich now arrives on a toasted potato bun, and the same upgrades extend to the...
Taco Bell Lets Fans Vote on Its First Global Taco Offering
Taco Bell is launching its first Global Taco Vote, letting U.S. Rewards members choose between a Thai‑inspired Kickin' Chicken Taco and an Indian Butter Chicken Taco for a limited‑time rollout later this year. Voting runs daily from March 26 through April 1...
Chicken Takes over Menus as the Protein of Choice
Amid rising beef costs and strong consumer demand for protein, chicken has become the focal point of new menu offerings across fast‑food and fast‑casual chains. Wendy’s debuted a revamped Spicy Chicken Sandwich featuring a marinated, panko‑breaded breast on a sweet...
Recent Restaurant Deals Show Where the Industry Is Headed
This week’s restaurant finance briefing highlights recent equity deals for Nothing Bundt Cakes and Dave’s Hot Chicken, signaling a growing investor appetite for niche bakery and fast‑casual concepts. The coverage also notes that rising fuel costs are squeezing full‑service operators,...
Sushi by Bou Wants to Bring Omakase to the People
Sushi by Bou, a sub‑$100 multi‑course omakase concept, is positioning itself as a hotel amenity that can fit into luggage closets, emphasizing a speakeasy vibe. The brand is part of Thompson Restaurants’ multi‑brand portfolio, which plans to introduce franchising to...
Burger King Is Having a Moment
Burger King is experiencing a notable upswing after years of uneven performance. The chain has poured capital into refranchising, operational efficiencies, and high‑impact marketing, culminating in a viral moment featuring its president that amplified brand awareness. Meanwhile, industry peers such...
IHOP Expands Its Signature Omelette Platform and Recharges Coffee Program
IHOP is rolling out a Bold BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed ‘N Stacked Omelette, a new sustainable medium‑roast coffee, an iced coffee lineup, and a BLT on its $6 Everyday Value Menu. The omelette mixes pancake batter into the eggs and...
Wendy's Plans a Better Menu, Starting with Its Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Wendy’s unveiled upgraded Classic and Spicy Chicken Sandwiches featuring a new nine‑spice panko coating, sweet‑potato bun and mayo. The rollout is part of a broader menu overhaul aimed at reversing an 11.3% same‑store sales decline that hit the chain in...
Sysco to Acquire Restaurant Depot for $29.1B
Sysco announced a $29.1 billion cash‑and‑stock acquisition of Jetro Restaurant Depot, adding 166 cash‑and‑carry warehouses and access to roughly 725,000 independent restaurants. The deal values Restaurant Depot at a 14.6‑times EBITDA multiple, with shareholders receiving $21.6 billion in cash and 91.5 million Sysco...
Food Waste Fuels Emissions and Insecurity—Choose Zero Waste
Today is #ZeroWasteDay Led by United Nations Environment Programme and UN-Habitat We are producing more than we can handle. We are wasting more than we can afford. This year’s focus is food waste. Nearly 1 billion tonnes wasted in 2022 ≈ 20% of all food Up to...
Açai Leader SAMBAZON Eyes Japan, Middle East to Drive Next Growth Phase
Brazilian superfood leader SAMBAZON, which controls roughly half of the global açaí market, is leveraging its unique jungle‑based processing plant to accelerate growth in Japan and the Middle East. Sales in Japan have tripled over the past two years, while...
Middle East Focus: Hunter Foods Spicy Chips, Gulf Exports and Matcha Nuggets
Hunter Foods rolled out ultra‑spicy premium chips aimed at true chilli lovers across the Middle East, while UAE‑based Farm Fresh introduced matcha‑infused chicken nuggets, signaling a push toward bold, functional snacking. Estonia is leveraging its ‘Northern Standard’ brand to meet...
Zero, Diet Extensions Keep Carbonated Soft Drink Market Fresh
The U.S. carbonated soft‑drink market reached $55.8 billion in 2025, with full‑sugar colas flatlining while zero‑sugar and diet extensions surged. Diet CSDs posted 11.8% year‑over‑year growth, narrowing the gap with regular sodas. Functional variants, especially prebiotic sodas, are delivering double‑digit growth...
IFE Manufacturing 2026 Live: Functional Drinks, GLP-1 and Protein-Forward Concepts Drive NPD
The IFE Manufacturing 2026 trade show in London highlighted a surge in functional beverages, protein‑forward snacks and GLP‑1‑influenced product concepts. Exhibitors demonstrated clean‑label innovations such as ultrasound‑processed sugar‑free bars, seaweed snacks and allergen‑free spreads, while emphasizing global flavor profiles. Consumer...
Tehran’s “Toll Booth” In Hormuz Cuts Western Buyers Out of Fertilizer Supply Chain
Iran has instituted a formal toll and vetting regime in the Strait of Hormuz, charging up to $2 million per vessel and effectively barring Western-bound fertilizer cargoes. The move has driven benchmark urea prices up 68% to $681 per metric ton...
Patient Count in Raw Farm E. Coli Outbreak Grows, Majority Are Young Children
An FDA investigation has linked nine E. coli O157:H7 infections across California, Texas, and Florida to Raw Farm‑brand raw cheddar cheese, with more than half of the patients younger than five. Whole‑genome sequencing shows the isolates are genetically related, confirming a common...
Report: Restaurant Brands Increase Tech Spending Despite Margin Pressures
Restaurant operators are boosting technology and AI budgets despite shrinking margins, with 48% of brands planning higher tech spend in 2026. Guest traffic is falling for 57% of operators and 67% of quick‑service restaurants, prompting a focus on order‑flow efficiency....
Wendy’s Named Official Dunks of NCAA March Madness: Launches National Promotion
Wendy's has been named the Official Dunks of the NCAA March Madness, launching a two‑phase Dunks Menu and a sweepstakes called Dunkstakes. The menu pairs classic Frosty desserts with Hot & Crispy Fries, later adding nuggets or Tendys for dunking....
Silkworm Protein Firm Taps Health and Familiarity for Regional Growth
Morus, a silkworm‑protein company, is expanding across ASEAN by marketing DNJ capsules, protein powders and SilkMatcha as food‑as‑medicine solutions for metabolic health. The firm leverages silkworms’ glucose‑modulating DNJ, vitamins and minerals to address blood‑sugar, hypertension and gut‑health concerns. Its strategy...
From Huel to Hellmann's, Big Food Makes Its Moves
Danone announced a $1.1 billion acquisition of British meal‑replacement brand Huel, signaling a deeper push into the plant‑based sector. Frozen‑food startup Laoban raised $7.2 million to expand beyond dumplings into broader Asian categories. Unilever is reportedly negotiating the sale of its food...
European Private Label Awards 2026 – Winners Announced
The European Private Label Awards 2026 announced winners across 20 categories, showcasing the growing strength of store‑brand products in Europe. Italian retailer Conad topped the list with four awards, while Aldi Nord secured two wins in personal care and snacking....
Danone’s €1B Huel Acquisition: What Does It Signal for Functional Food?
Danone has agreed to acquire plant‑based meal‑replacement brand Huel for €1 billion, marking its biggest foray into the functional‑nutrition space. The deal integrates Huel’s digital‑first, subscription‑based model with Danone’s global manufacturing, R&D, and distribution network, accelerating the group’s “Renew” strategy to...
Danone and Arcor Create a Dairy Powerhouse in Argentina
Danone and Arcor have created a 50:50 joint dairy venture in Argentina, merging Danone Argentina’s dairy business, Mastellone Hermanos’ La Serenísima operations, and Logística La Serenísima. The combined entity will target high‑margin categories such as cheese, butter, yogurts, creams and desserts while...
Chobani Announces $567M La Colombe Michigan Plant Expansion
Chobani is investing $567 million to expand its La Colombe plant in Norton Shores, Michigan, adding over 200,000 square feet of production space. The expansion will create roughly 340 new jobs while preserving 312 existing positions. The move targets soaring demand for La Colombe’s ready‑to‑drink...
TBPN Evolves with a Debate Segment.
TBPN is expanding its content mix by adding a live debate segment, signaling a shift toward more interactive programming. The newsletter also spotlights a visit to the Butter Lamb headquarters in Buffalo, a new Hamptons diner courting creators for a...
Sargento Named One of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies
Sargento earned a No. 3 spot on Fast Company’s 2026 World’s Most Innovative Companies list in the Food category, highlighting its breakthrough Natural American Cheese. The company’s innovations, from resealable packaging to a decade‑long development of a five‑ingredient natural cheese, have...
Casks and Consequences: The Debate Over Buying Whiskey Barrels
In May 2025 Whisky Merchants Trading Ltd., once valued at $80 million, declared bankruptcy, leaving investors scrambling to locate dozens of 53‑gallon barrels stored across Scotland. The collapse highlights a broader controversy in the whisky‑cask market, where past successes—such as 1990s...