No More ‘Sleeping Beauties’: Babybel Owner Quietly Emerges as US Healthy Snacks Powerhouse
Peter McGuinness, former Impossible Foods and Chobani exec, took over Bel Group’s North American operations and is accelerating growth of its snack brands Babybel, GoGo squeeZ and The Laughing Cow. The Paris‑based company now generates about one‑third of its global sales in the U.S., with low double‑digit growth and 72% brand awareness for Babybel. Bel announced a $200 million expansion of its Brookings, South Dakota cheese plant to double capacity and a partnership with Foodberry for fruit‑based snacks. New launches like Babybel Pro and flavor extensions aim to capture protein‑rich, GLP‑1‑friendly demand while M&A is under consideration.
Senate Bill Floats Workaround for Hemp THC Beverage Ban
A bipartisan Senate bill, the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, would let states opt out of the federal ban on intoxicating hemp products slated for November 2026, allowing hemp‑derived THC beverages to remain legal under state rules. The bill mirrors recreational...
The 10 Best Electrolyte Powders (We Tested Nearly 20)
Wired’s product team tasted and evaluated nearly 20 electrolyte powders, tablets, drops and chews, publishing a ranked list of the best options for athletes, hangover relief, and everyday hydration. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier emerged as the overall winner, praised for its...
GLP-1-Friendly Foods Are Booming – but the Label Is Still Taboo
Consumer packaged goods are rapidly adding GLP‑1‑friendly claims, highlighting high protein, fiber and low‑sugar profiles, yet the explicit GLP‑1 label remains rare. Conagra Brands pioneered the “On Track” badge on 26 items in early 2025, while Nestlé and Mission Foods...
This Buzzy Seattle Coffee Shop Is Blending Hawaiian And Korean Flavors In A New Way
Orange Goose Coffee, a Hawaiian‑Korean‑inspired concept that began as a pop‑up in 2024, opened a permanent brick‑and‑mortar location in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood in March 2026. Founder Polu Arsiga hand‑built the interior and curates a menu of espresso drinks featuring in‑house...
Gordon Ramsay Launches World‑First “Idiot Sandwich” Pop‑up in Manila’s Uptown BGC
Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines is opening the world’s first Idiot Sandwich pop‑up at Megaworld’s Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Manila. The concept turns a notorious internet meme into a physical sandwich‑focused venue, promising premium ingredients and a...
Target Secures 72 New Minnesota Licenses to Expand THC‑Infused Hemp Drinks
Target has obtained 72 additional Minnesota licenses, allowing the retailer to stock THC‑infused hemp drinks in every state store. The move is part of a broader turnaround plan under new CEO Michael Fiddelke to win back shoppers after a 1.7%...
Beyond the Candy Bar: Is Confectionery Redefining Frozen Novelties?
Confectionery makers are reshaping frozen novelties by turning core candy textures into ice‑pop and frozen‑candy formats rather than simply coating existing bars with ice cream. Trolli’s Very Berry Gummi Pops and Morinaga’s Hi‑Chew Pops illustrate a texture‑first approach that highlights chewy,...
USDA Reports 295k Tons U.S. Corn Sold for 2025/26
USDA confirms the following sales of U.S. corn for delivery in 2025/26: ▪️100,000 metric tons to Colombia ▪️195,000 metric tons to unknown destinations
Arby’s Launches Limited‑Time BBQ Lineup and Mac‑and‑Cheese Bowl to Revive Traffic
Arby’s introduced a limited‑time BBQ sandwich duo and a new Mac‑and‑Cheese bowl, a brand‑refresh move led by CMO Jeff Baker. The rollout targets lagging sales and aims to draw diners back to the chain’s 33,000‑plus locations.
Fable Brings Its Whole-Food Shiitake Mushroom Range to Waitrose Nationwide
London‑based Fable, a mushroom brand serving over 1,500 restaurants across the UK, Europe, Australia and North America, is launching its Tender Pulled Shiitake range in Waitrose stores nationwide on 6 May. The product is priced at £3.99 (about $5.10) and...
Atticus
Atticus, a boutique grocery store in Providence’s East Rock neighborhood, is courting a TikTok‑savvy, health‑conscious crowd with gourmet products and eye‑catching décor. The shop’s checkout bowl, once filled with colorful pronoun pins, now displays ironic cigarette lighters, reflecting a rapid...
The Whiskey Glut Won’t Lower Prices, but It Will Mean Older, Better Bottles
The global whiskey market is facing a significant oversupply, prompting distillers to pause production, shut facilities and lay off staff. Barrel prices for aged American whiskey have dropped 30‑40% compared with four years ago, creating fire‑sale opportunities for independent bottlers....
This Country Eats Even More Kraft Mac And Cheese Than The US
Canadians eat more Kraft Dinner than Americans, consuming over 50% more per capita. About 90 million boxes are sold annually in Canada, representing roughly a quarter of global Kraft mac‑and‑cheese sales despite the country's tiny share of world population. Over 80%...
The Food Trend “Boy Kibble” Is Everywhere — But Is It Good for You?
The "boy kibble" trend, popular on TikTok, promotes batch‑cooked, repetitive meals centered on protein and simple carbs. It appeals to busy consumers seeking to eliminate decision fatigue and meet daily macro targets with minimal effort. Nutrition experts warn that while...
Burger King Returns to ‘Star Wars’ Galaxy as Turnaround Push Endures
Burger King has teamed with Disney’s "The Mandalorian and Grogu" to launch a limited‑time menu and multichannel campaign tied to the May 22 theatrical release. The promotion features items such as a BBQ Bounty Whopper in a helmet‑shaped carton, Grogu’s Blue...
Yakult Europe Goes Dairy-Free with Vitality Drink Launch
Japanese probiotic giant Yakult has introduced Vitals, a soy‑based, vitamin‑fortified gut‑health drink, debuting in the Netherlands. The 200 ml carton combines vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and zinc to support immunity, digestion and energy, marking a shift from its traditional probiotic bottles. Vitals...
New Home Coffee Equipment From World of Coffee in San Diego
The World of Coffee trade show in San Diego attracted more than 17,000 visitors and became a launchpad for a wave of new home coffee equipment. Brands such as Cosori, Varia Brewing, Kopel Labs, Next Level Coffee, Lelit, Flair Espresso,...
Cornish Bakery Opens First Bakery in Wales and First of New Brand Concept
Cornish Bakery opened its first Welsh outlet on Station Approach in Betws‑y‑Coed, marking the brand’s debut in Wales and the launch of its new RISE concept. The 2,500‑sq‑ft bakery seats up to 166 guests and blends traditional Cornish pastries with...
This Southern California Burger Chain Once Rivaled In-N-Out — Fans Say It's Gone Downhill
Baker's Drive Thru, a Southern California staple founded in 1952, once rivaled In‑N‑Out during its 1990s‑early‑2000s heyday. The chain’s founder, Neal T. Baker, helped launch McDonald’s early outlet and assisted Glen Bell in creating what became Taco Bell, cementing his...
'Shelved Ambition': How Supermarkets Remain Off Track to Cut Methane From Meat and Dairy
Supermarkets wield significant influence over meat and dairy supply chains, yet a new Changing Markets report shows the world’s 20 largest food retailers are falling short on methane reduction. For the second year in a row, many major chains, including...
Capri Sun Introduces Electrolyte Enhanced Drink
Capri Sun, a Kraft Heinz brand, launched Capri Sun Hydrate, an electrolyte‑enhanced, low‑sugar drink aimed at children. The 12‑ounce single‑serve packs contain only 10 grams of sugar, Vitamin E, and a blend of electrolytes, with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. The...
Danone to Invest in Skyr Production in France
Danone is investing roughly €20 million ($23.5 million) to expand skyr production at two Normandy facilities—Ferrières‑en‑Bray and Le Molay‑Littry. The Ferrières‑en‑Bray plant will add two new lines, boosting its daily output of 3.5 million pots, while Le Molay‑Littry will begin skyr production, including organic SKUs...
The 9 Biggest Breakfast Trends In 2026 (So Far)
Breakfast trends in 2026 are pivoting toward health‑centric combos of protein and fiber, reshaping both home kitchens and restaurant menus. Consumers are gravitating to nutrient‑dense bowls, mini bite‑size servings, and globally inspired dishes such as shakshuka, congee, and arepas. Functional...
Stop Paying to Inspect Failure: Rethinking Quality in Food & Beverage
Food and beverage manufacturers are losing up to 20% of sales to reactive quality systems that rely on costly inspections. The article argues that inspection catches defects after they occur, inflating correction expenses and creating hidden operational taxes. It proposes...
Gastro, Pub
Jess Shadbolt and Annie Shi have launched Dean’s, a compact British‑style pub located next to their acclaimed Italian‑French bistro King. The new venue carries the same seasonal, ingredient‑driven philosophy that earned King its reputation. Dean’s blends classic pub comfort with...
Pluck’d Launches U.S.-grown Tomato Brand Amid Supply Chain Pressures
Pluck'd has launched a new tomato brand grown exclusively in a high‑tech greenhouse in Virginia, now available at select Walmart, Weis Markets and regional retailers. The operation uses advanced sensors, climate control and data‑driven irrigation to produce tomatoes year‑round, reducing...
"Turkish Tomatoes Have a Strong Position in International Markets"
Turkey remains a leading global tomato producer, harvesting roughly 14 million tons annually. In 2025 the country exported tomatoes worth $401 million to 51 markets, with first‑quarter revenue climbing 11.8% year‑over‑year to $180 million. Romania emerged as the top destination, importing 42.8 million tons,...
Healthy F&B: What the Modern Consumer Wants
Lumina Intelligence’s 2026 "The Modern UK Consumer" report finds health has become a core mindset, not a fleeting trend, with multivitamins, organic foods and low‑UPF options now seen as necessities. Taste remains paramount—eight in ten adults say health ingredients must...
Brazil Opens New Markets for Fruits Such as Avocados, Apples, and Citrus in the Middle East and Central America.
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture finalized a new round of sanitary and phytosanitary agreements, opening fresh‑fruit markets across the Middle East and Central America. Saudi Arabia granted entry to nine Brazilian fruits, positioning the kingdom as a key regional destination for...
T&G Fresh’s 2026 Satsuma Mandarin Season Is Underway
T&G Fresh, one of New Zealand’s largest Satsuma growers, announced that the 2026 season will yield roughly 3,500 tons, making it one of the strongest recent harvests. The crop is split evenly between domestic supermarkets and export markets, with harvesting already underway...
Japan Will Continue Importing Peruvian Hass Avocado This Season
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries approved Peruvian Hass avocado imports for the 2026 season after a phytosanitary audit and a on‑site visit by a Japanese official. The approval enables shipments of more than 765,000 metric tons, a 6%...
Agronometrics in Charts: Extreme Weather Sparks Stunning 32 Percent Surge in US Strawberry Prices
U.S. strawberry grower prices surged 32% in January 2026 as extreme weather disrupted supply chains. Production topped 2.6 billion pounds, with California providing roughly 90% of domestic output. Late‑2025 heavy rains and early‑2026 Florida freezes cut shipments, while imports hit a...
Snickers Extends ‘Hungry’ Platform Around Peanut Butter Products
Mars’s Snickers brand rolled out a new "Stuck" campaign spotlighting its Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Ice Cream lines, emphasizing the products' creamy‑crunchy texture. Developed by BBDO New York, the ads run across TV and major social platforms. Simultaneously, Snickers...
Burger King UK Positions Whopper as Ultimate Post-Race Meal
Burger King UK has rolled out a new advertising push called "Whopper of a finish," positioning the Whopper as the ideal post‑race meal for British horse‑racing fans. The campaign follows the 2024 "Bundles of joy" launch and combines TV spots,...
Filliers Family Reserve 34YO Is Belgium’s Oldest Whisky
Belgian family‑owned Filliers Distillery has launched its oldest whisky yet, a 34‑year‑old single grain expression. The spirit, bottled at 52.3% ABV, was laid down in 1992 in a single American white oak cask and represents the final cask produced by...
Behind the Celebrity Spirits: People, Stories & Strategy
At ProWein 2026, a panel of celebrity‑spirit founders discussed the shifting trade perception of celebrity‑backed alcohol brands. Participants from Brother’s Bond Bourbon, Wolfie’s Gin and James Gin noted that buyers now view such products more skeptically, seeing them as gimmicks...
Carlsberg Swapping Coca-Cola for PepsiCo in Northern Europe and the Baltic States
Carlsberg Group will become PepsiCo’s exclusive bottler across Scandinavia and the Baltic states starting in 2029, ending its current Coca‑Cola bottling contracts in Denmark and Finland. The Danish brewer already bottles PepsiCo drinks in up to fourteen markets, including the...
Beef Industry Under DOJ Probe Amid Greedflation Surge
Greedflation is so back, you guys: "Beef industry faces Trump DOJ criminal investigation, reports say" https://t.co/ynas3I3X8d https://t.co/4uWtgUr9P6
Trump Administration Begins $166bn Tariffs Refund
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (Cape) platform to process refunds totaling about $166 billion for tariffs the Court of International Trade ruled unlawful. The refunds, stemming from tariffs imposed under the...
ABF to Split Food Assets From Retail Arm Primark
Associated British Foods (ABF) announced it will de‑merge its food operations from its fast‑fashion retailer Primark, creating two separately listed companies by the end of 2027. The food arm, FoodCo, generates about $13.2 billion in revenue and employs over 55,000 people,...
The VinePair Podcast: What Can Bev Alc Learn From Fast Food?
The VinePair Podcast explores how beverage‑alcohol brands can learn from recent fast‑food setbacks, especially Wendy’s sales decline tied to an inexperienced CEO. While legacy chains struggle, fast‑casual concepts like Taco Bell and Raising Cane’s are expanding. Hosts argue that deep...
Smoothie King to Add Flatbreads, High-Protein Food Items
Smoothie King announced a brand‑evolution plan that adds flatbreads and high‑protein food items to its menu, with rollout slated for the summer. The company will install ovens across its system at no cost to existing franchisees to support the new...
São Paulo’s Tuju Secures Third Michelin Star, Joining Brazil’s Elite
Brazilian chef Luiz Filipe Souza’s Tuju has been awarded a third Michelin star, the highest honor in the guide, making it one of only two triple‑starred restaurants in the country. The accolade, announced at a ceremony in Rio’s Copacabana Palace,...
Winn‑Dixie and Amazon Extend Same‑Day Grocery Delivery to Miami and Across Florida
Winn‑Dixie and Amazon have broadened their same‑day grocery delivery partnership to include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Keys and West Palm Beach, extending the service to all of Florida. The rollout adds more than 15,000 Winn‑Dixie items to Amazon’s platform...
Sapporo Sells Stone Brewing to Firestone Walker, Duvel USA
M&A news: Sapporo is selling Stone Brewing to Firestone Walker + Duvel USA. Link to the story on @Brewbound in the comment below 👇 https://t.co/FNwtffMViK
Does Chick-Fil-A Actually Brew Its Own Tea?
Chick‑fil‑A confirms that its iced tea is brewed in‑house each day using large industrial brewers and bulk Tetley tea bags. Sweet tea is sweetened with a pre‑measured pitcher while still hot, ensuring consistent flavor. The chain also prepares its lemonade...
Charting Eventful Horizons: Realizing Revenue at Your Venue
Corporate events are emerging as a high‑margin revenue engine for restaurants and hotels, delivering up to 20% higher margins than traditional a la carte dining. Tripleseat’s platform shows corporate event revenue grew 14.6% in 2025—1.5 times faster than weddings—while average...
Nestle India Q4 Results: Cons Profit Jumps 27% YoY to Rs 1,111 Crore; Rs 5/Sh Dividend Declared
Nestle India posted a 27% YoY rise in consolidated net profit to ₹1,111 crore (≈$134 million) for Q4 FY 2025‑26, while revenue jumped 23% to ₹6,748 crore (≈$813 million). The company announced a final dividend of Rs 5 per share and recorded its highest‑ever domestic sales...
The Bagel That Broke the Internet: Tory Bartlett and the Rise of PopUp Bagels
In this episode of the Hospitality Hangout, CEO Tory Bartlett (often called Jimmy) shares his journey from washing dishes at Hooters to leading the fast‑growing pop‑up bagel brand that went viral online. He discusses how his military reserve service, years...