Smucker’s Updates Fruit Spread Packaging For First Time In 30 Years
The J.M. Smucker Co. has launched its first visual overhaul of Smucker’s fruit‑spread jars in nearly 30 years, introducing bolder colors, larger fruit imagery, and an expanded gingham pattern that now covers the front label. Each flavor receives a distinct hue to aid quick shelf identification, while the underlying recipe remains unchanged. The redesign aligns with a broader ’90s nostalgia wave and aims to modernize the brand’s presence in a crowded spreads aisle. Smucker’s also positions the new look to encourage usage beyond traditional breakfast applications.
California Certified: America’s Largest State Proposes Non-UPF Label for Food Producers & Supermarkets
California lawmakers are advancing AB 2244, a bill that would create a voluntary “California Certified” seal for foods that meet the state’s definition of non‑ultra‑processed. The label, modeled on the USDA organic mark, would be overseen by the California Department of...
Jack in the Box Launches Slider Meal, $75K Giveaway for Anniversary
Jack in the Box introduced the Smashed Jack Sliders Munchie Meal to celebrate its 75th anniversary, offering three mini‑sliders, tacos, curly fries, a drink and a collectible cup. Each cup contains a pin that enters customers into a $75,000 sweepstakes,...
King's Hawaiian Launches Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls
King's Hawaiian is rolling out its first limited‑time flavor nationwide: Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls. The purple‑hued rolls combine the brand’s signature fluffy texture with real ube and coconut milk, and contain no artificial dyes or high‑fructose corn syrup. After a...
A Big Carl's Jr. Franchisee Has Filed for Bankruptcy
A Carl’s Jr. franchisee that runs 65 California locations filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, encompassing several entities owned by Harshad Dharod. The filings list assets and liabilities under $50,000 each, indicating a tightly scoped restructuring. The franchisor emphasized that the bankruptcy is...
Food Delivery Turns the K-Shaped Economy on Its Head
Recent data reveals that lower‑income consumers are driving the bulk of food‑delivery orders, even as they cut back on restaurant visits overall. This counter‑intuitive trend flips the typical K‑shaped recovery narrative, where higher‑income groups usually lead growth. Delivery platforms are...
Chick-Fil-A's Unit Volumes Hit a Ceiling
Chick-fil‑A’s U.S. system sales climbed 5.2% to $23.9 billion in 2025, but the chain’s average unit volume (AUV) for stand‑alone restaurants slipped 1.7% to just under $9.2 million. Mall‑based units posted a modest 1.4% AUV increase to $4.6 million. The company added 178...
Can Burger King Ever Catch McDonald's?
Burger King remains far behind McDonald’s in global scale and sales. McDonald’s operates roughly 40,000 U.S. restaurants and generates higher same‑store sales, while BK trails with about 18,000 locations. Analysts argue that closing the gap would require aggressive digital transformation,...
Spring Menus Pop with Flavor
Across the U.S., quick‑service and casual‑dining chains are rolling out spring menus packed with bright fruit flavors, matcha‑based drinks, and cheese‑heavy items. Starbucks adds mango‑strawberry refreshers and ube‑infused espresso, while Applebee’s, Wingstop and White Castle introduce new sauces, sliders and...
Here Come the Menu Improvements
Restaurant chains are accelerating menu upgrades to revive growth as external pressures mount. Higher gasoline costs are squeezing full‑service operators, while Chick‑fil‑A reports a two‑year slowdown in unit‑volume expansion. A major Carl's Jr. franchisee’s recent bankruptcy underscores the financial strain on...
Natural Grocers Adds 4 Organic Frozen Ravioli Varieties
Natural Grocers has introduced four new organic frozen ravioli varieties—Ricotta & Mushroom, Mozzarella & Cherry Tomato, Eggplant & Provolone, and Butternut Squash—under its private‑label brand, available exclusively in its stores. The ravioli are certified organic, contain no artificial flavors, colors...
🎥 Fermelanta Introduces “Unprecedented’ Number of Genes Into Microbes to Make Rare Plant Compounds
Japanese startup Fermelanta has developed a platform that inserts nearly 30 plant genes into a single E. coli strain, allowing microbial fermentation of complex, rare plant secondary metabolites in one step. The technology bypasses traditional CRISPR tools and promises cheaper,...
US Department of Commerce Launches More Antidumping and Countervailing Investigations Into Foreign Shrimp
The U.S. Department of Commerce has opened a new round of antidumping and countervailing investigations covering shrimp exporters from India, Vietnam, Thailand and China. The review will examine over 1,000 companies—394 from India, 299 from Vietnam, and 199 each from...
Australian Prawn Giant A Raptis and Sons Closing Doors After More than Six Decades
A. Raptis and Sons, one of Australia’s largest privately owned, vertically integrated prawn producers, announced it will shut down after nearly 70 years of operation. The company entered voluntary administration in March, citing a weak banana prawn return, oversupply and rising production...
Novonesis & DTU to Convert Carbon Into Protein As Part of Bill Gates-Backed Project
Novonesis has teamed up with the Technical University of Denmark’s Bright hub to engineer microbes that convert waste carbon dioxide into protein using acetate as feedstock. The collaboration is part of the Gates‑ and Novo Nordisk‑backed Acetate Consortium, which has...
Return of Programme to Support Food and Drink Producers
Taste 4 Success Skillnet is relaunching BrandBite, a brand acceleration programme for Irish food and drink producers, slated for 2026. The six‑module online course, enhanced with new tools and expert speakers, aims to help start‑ups and scaling businesses strengthen brand...
The Science of Spherification: 3 Key Takeaways From the ‘Year of the Sphere’
A recent Kikkoman webinar titled “Year of the Sphere” highlighted how molecular gastronomy, especially spherification, is moving from novelty to a core kitchen tool. Chefs Evan Gonzalez and Andrew Hunter demonstrated that controlling texture allows precise, tiered flavor releases that...
The New Flavor Pipeline: How Social Media Is Rewriting the Rules of Food and Beverage Innovation
Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have collapsed the traditional multi‑year flavor development cycle into a matter of weeks, turning a single viral video into a market‑wide demand surge. The Dubai Chocolate Bar’s rapid ascent from regional novelty...
How a Renowned Restaurant Uses Square to Balance Creativity and Consistency
Miss Lily’s, a celebrated Jamaican restaurant in NYC’s East Village, switched to Square’s POS platform in 2025 to embed operational structure as it scales. The new tools provide real‑time sales data, guest counts, and recipe tracking, allowing Chef Brittany “Stikxz”...
Testing Confirms Microbiological, Chemical Safety of Canadian Infant Formula, Children’s Foods
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency released its latest testing results, confirming that the vast majority of infant formula, children’s foods, and other consumer products meet safety standards. The 2024‑25 National Microbiological Monitoring Program performed 12,641 tests on 5,305 products, achieving...
Keurig Dr Pepper Expands Partnership With Suntory Beverage & Food Europe
Keurig Dr Pepper and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe have broadened their long‑term alliance to push Dr Pepper, Canada Dry and other brands into 15 European markets, including France, Poland, Switzerland and Iberia. The deal emphasizes joint marketing, product innovation and logistics...
🎥 As Cocoa Prices Swing, Kawa Project Offers an Upcycled Alternative From Spent Coffee Grounds
Kawa Project has developed an upcycled powder made from spent coffee grounds that mimics industrial cocoa in taste and functionality. The product offers a more stable supply chain and price consistency compared with volatile cocoa markets. Economically, the alternative becomes...
What Factors Could Challenge This Profitable Beef Market?
U.S. beef prices stay well above year‑ago levels as tight supply and strong demand push boxed‑beef, feeder and fed‑cattle values higher into 2026. Producers enjoy a profitable market but face heightened volatility from short‑term shocks. Six headwinds – drought, geopolitical...
Consumer Megadeals Make A Rare Comeback In The First Quarter
Two blockbuster consumer mergers—Sysco’s $29 billion purchase of Jetro Restaurant Depot and McCormick’s near‑$45 billion acquisition of Unilever’s food business—were announced within 24 hours, propelling both into the global top‑10 deal rankings for Q1 2026. The deals mark the first time since 2015...
What Makes a Good Protein?
Protein quality is gaining prominence as GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs, aging populations, and plant‑based trends raise concerns about muscle loss and overall health. The article explains that a "good" protein must contain all nine essential amino acids and be highly digestible,...
Gen Z Habits Shift Energy Drinks Towards Flavour and Drinkability
Gen Z’s digital‑centric habits are turning energy drinks into longer‑lasting, flavor‑focused beverages rather than quick caffeine spikes. Consumers now value balanced taste, light mouthfeel and sustained drinkability for marathon gaming, studying or social sessions. Brands such as YATÉ, Monster and...
Japan’s Umami United & Tokyo Denki University to Recreate Egg Proteins with Plants
Japanese vegan egg startup Umami United has teamed up with Tokyo Denki University to scientifically recreate egg protein functionality using plant-based ingredients. The partnership focuses on developing manufacturing processes that replicate foaming, gelling and emulsifying properties essential to baked goods...
Four Roses Returns to US Ownership in Gallo Deal
E&J Gallo Winery has purchased the Four Roses bourbon brand from Japan’s Kirin Holdings, ending 83 years of foreign ownership. The deal keeps the existing Kentucky distilling team and master distiller Brent Elliott in place. Financial terms were not disclosed....
Eliminate Waste and Boost Meat Case Profitability
Excalibur introduced its Proper Portions™ Seasoning Program, a pre‑measured packet system designed to streamline seasoning of fresh proteins across grocery and retail environments. The solution promises reduced waste, improved food safety, and consistent flavor, while enabling quick, sell‑ready presentations for...
Spirits Industry Angered by Excise Tax Debate Shutdown
Australia’s Senate blocked an amendment that would have extended the excise‑freeze on draught beer to spirits, leaving the spirits sector without the cost‑of‑living relief granted to beer. The proposal, backed by the opposition and independents, also called for a review...
Brand New: BYHEALTH’s Protein Upgrade, MIRIQA’s Immunity Debut, Elevit and More
The Asian nutraceutical market is buzzing with product upgrades and new launches. BYHEALTH boosted its flagship protein powder to 90% protein for Chinese consumers, while Singapore’s MIRIQA entered the immunity segment with a family‑focused jelly supplement. In Inner Mongolia, pharmacy...
BioGaia Seizing Oral Health Opportunities in China Through Cross-Border Trade
BioGaia launched its Prodentis Fresh Breath lozenge in China via cross‑border e‑commerce, marking the first APAC entry for the probiotic oral‑health supplement. The product combines two patented L. reuteri strains with zinc, xylitol and isomalt to combat halitosis and support...
Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Expand US Plant-Based Biomanufacturing with Tax Incentives
Congresswomen Nikki Budzinski (D‑IL) and Michelle Fischbach (R‑MN) introduced the Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act, a bipartisan bill that would grant a 30% investment tax credit for building or retrofitting plant‑based biomanufacturing facilities and a production credit of 10 cents...
Why China’s Poultry Sector Is Turning to Cage-Free Duck Farming
China’s poultry industry is expanding its animal‑welfare agenda beyond chickens by embracing cage‑free duck farming. Lever China is leading the push, helping producers such as Xuri Egg Products commit to 100% cage‑free duck eggs for export by 2026. The shift...
How the Demands of the Growing Slushie Market Is Putting Focus on Flavour Architecture
The global frozen‑drink market is projected to grow from $600 million this year to nearly $1.2 billion by 2035, with slushies accounting for the majority of sales. New dispensing technology and modular flavor systems are turning slushies into a premium, customizable platform...
Polpo Restaurant & Saloon Announces Return to Palm Beach
Polpo Restaurant & Saloon, headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, is preparing to reopen in Palm Beach, Florida with a new site that is still being finalized. The original Palm Beach location closed after the building was sold and the lease was...
How GLP-1 Drugs Are Opening up a Huge Opportunity for Nutrition Shakes
GLP‑1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are reshaping the food‑and‑beverage market by creating a new demand for ready‑to‑drink nutrition shakes. These beverages are moving beyond simple hunger relief to serve precise nutritional goals, especially high protein and collagen content....
Africa’s Beer Market: The Road Ahead
Africa’s beer market is booming, with 2025 sales topping $32.5 billion and a 6.5% rise in supermarket channels. Urban hubs such as Lagos, Nairobi and Cape Town are driving demand for premium and craft offerings, while South Africa still supplies roughly...
Marriott Switching to Coke From Pepsi After 35 Years
Marriott International announced it will replace Pepsi with Coca‑Cola as its in‑house soft‑drink provider after a 35‑year partnership with PepsiCo. The transition is slated to begin this summer across the chain’s U.S. properties. Marriott cited strategic alignment and cost efficiencies...
Coke Florida Unveils Limited-Edition America250 Commemorative Cans
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida unveiled limited-edition America250 cans at its Jacksonville bottling plant, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. The commemorative mini cans, featuring Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, will roll out to Florida retailers on April 6, alongside patriotic branding on...
Jollibee Opens Stockton, CA Location With Drive&Thru and To&Go Service
Jollibee opened a new store in Stockton, California on April 3, 2026, located at 4704 Pacific Avenue near Weberstown Mall. The outlet initially offers drive‑thru and to‑go service, with full in‑store dining and online ordering slated for the coming weeks. To celebrate,...
McDonald's Türkiye Launches 'Archie' Device for Gamers With Pro Gamer Menu
McDonald’s Türkiye introduced the “Archie” device, a hardware add‑on that keeps a gamer’s avatar moving while they eat. The gadget is bundled with a limited‑time Pro Gamer Menu—Big Mac, fries, Coke and onion rings—available only through delivery orders. Designed by TBWA Istanbul,...
Burger King Believes It Can Be the No. 1 Burger Chain
Burger King’s “Reclaim the Flame” program, led by former Domino’s executives Patrick Doyle and Tom Curtis, is accelerating restaurant remodels, menu upgrades and a new marketing push aimed at dethroning McDonald’s as the top U.S. burger chain. Over half of...
Taco Bell Fans Pick India’s Butter Chicken Taco for U.S. Menu
Taco Bell’s Global Taco Vote crowned India’s Butter Chicken Taco with nearly 65% of the votes, securing a limited‑time rollout on the U.S. menu later this year. The taco blends slow‑roasted chicken in a tomato‑cream sauce with Indian spices, served...
Investments in Tunisian Aquaculture Projects Increase over 200 Percent
Tunisia reported a 239% surge in new aquaculture investments in 2025, reaching TND 88.1 million (≈USD 30.2 million). The sector captured 17% of all agriculture‑fisheries private investments, amounting to TND 515.3 million across 2,862 projects. Government incentives, including subsidies up to 25% and tax breaks, aim...
International Atomic Energy Agency Launches Five-Year Project to Address Seafood Fraud
The International Atomic Energy Agency has launched a five‑year research initiative to combat seafood fraud using nuclear and related technologies. The project will develop isotopic and molecular fingerprint databases that enable participating nations to verify species, origin, and processing claims....
EU Officials Push to Transition Fishing Fleets Away From Fossil Fuels Amid Elevated Fuel Prices
European Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis called for a swift shift of EU commercial fishing fleets away from fossil fuels as global fuel prices surge amid the Iran conflict. Spain pledged €25 million and France offered a €0.20‑per‑liter fuel rebate to ease...
Newfoundland Price-Setting Panel Declares Minimum Snow Crab Price, Outlines Turmoil Leading to Decision
The Newfoundland and Labrador Standing Fish Price‑Setting Panel announced a minimum snow crab price of CAD 5.30 per pound for the 2026 season, up from CAD 4.97 in 2025. The decision proceeded despite the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) abandoning...
Recasting Our Point of Reference in Beverage
The beverage industry is moving away from internal incubators toward acquiring already‑scaled brands, as giants like Coca‑Cola and Pepsi shift focus after shutting down VEB and Hive. This strategic pivot reflects a broader realization that large‑company systems excel at scaling,...
The Next Generation of GLP-1 Drugs: And How They’ll Reshape Food and Beverage Again
The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s oral GLP‑1 tablet Foundayo (orforglipron) in April 2024, pricing it at $25 per month with insurance or $149 self‑pay. New pipeline candidates—including Eli Lilly’s triple‑agonist retatrutide, Novo Nordisk’s high‑dose Wegovy and CagriSema, and Amgen’s monthly‑dose MariTide—promise greater efficacy,...