Plant-based demand grows despite Beyond Meat decline

Packaged foods maker Tasty Bite Eatables Ltd plans to strengthen its leadership in the foodservice segment while expanding its consumer-focused brands Tasty Bite Xclusive and Cheffin as part of its long-term growth strategy, Managing Director Dilen Gandhi said in his message to shareholders in the company's Annual Report 2026. Check it here: https://corpwhizz.com/4gdg

McCormick has set the structure for its planned $45bn combination with Unilever Foods, creating four divisions across consumer brands, foodservice, and industrial flavour systems. #Ingredients #FoodManufacturing

As I continue my journey in the dairy and foodservice industry, one trend that’s impossible to ignore is the growing impact of GLP-1 medications and how they’re beginning to reshape consumer behavior. While these medications are helping many people improve their health, they’re also changing how consumers eat—and that has implications across the entire foodservice supply chain. Here are a few trends I’m watching: 🥛 Milk: Consumers are becoming more selective, with growing demand for high-protein and nutrient-dense dairy products rather than simply larger quantities. 🧀 Cheese: Quality and flavor continue to matter, but portion sizes and menu applications are evolving as operators respond to changing dining habits. 🍦 Ice Cream: Indulgence isn’t disappearing, but consumers may treat it more as an occasional experience than an impulse purchase. That creates opportunities for premium offerings and smaller portions. 🥚 Eggs: Eggs remain well-positioned because they’re affordable, protein-rich, and versatile—attributes that align with changing nutritional priorities. For restaurants, the conversation is even bigger. We’re beginning to see operators think differently about: ✔ Portion sizes ✔ Protein-forward menu development ✔ Menu engineering and profitability ✔ Reducing food waste ✔ Delivering greater value in every plate served The restaurant industry has always adapted to changing consumer preferences. GLP-1 medications may become another catalyst for innovation—not just in what we serve, but in how we design menus, manage inventory, and create memorable dining experiences. The companies that listen closely to their customers and adapt early will be best positioned for the future. I’d love to hear from others in foodservice, distribution, and manufacturing. Are you seeing GLP-1 medications influence purchasing patterns, menu strategy, or customer demand?

Wholebake invests £3m in Wrexham expansion Wrexham-based food manufacturer Wholebake Limited is investing £3 million in its operations as demand for healthier snacks continues to grow, with the expansion creating 15 new skilled jobs. The investment will fund two new high-speed production lines, due to launch later this year, capable of producing 360 snack bars per minute, three times the speed of the company's existing lines. The new lines will add production capacity rather than replace current operations, giving customers additional room for growth. Wholebake, which operates two manufacturing sites in Wrexham and one in nearby Corwen, employs 425 people and sold more than 145 million snack bars over the past year. Volumes rose 10%, while sales increased 18.7% year on year. According to NIQ EPOS data, the UK cereal bar market is now worth £819m after growing 3% over the past year. Protein bars are valued at £261m, up 8.3% year on year, accounting for 83% of the category's value growth. John McMullen, CEO of Wholebake, said: "Demand for healthy snacks is growing rapidly, and our two new high-speed lines will give us the capacity to meet it". He added: "We are currently recruiting for around 15 skilled roles at our sites. We're looking for experienced, skilled people who want to build a career in food manufacturing. We're committed to recruiting locally and developing talent in Wrexham and across North Wales". McMullen also said: "The way Britain snacks is undergoing a structural shift. The data makes clear this is not a passing fad but a lasting change in behaviour... We're investing in new high-speed production lines this year, to give our customers the capacity, quality and flexibility they need to grow in one of the fastest-moving parts of the food industry". Wholebake said further investment is planned for 2026 as demand for high-protein, lower-sugar and plant-based snacks continues to accelerate.

Great insights from our team on the value of the plant-based consumer. Whether you're in retail or restaurant, we've got insights for you.

📄 New research suggests plant-based meat consumers are highly engaged and commercially valuable. Learn more from GFI's associate director of market insights, Jody Kirchner 👇

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We often measure the success of plant-based foods by sales or market share. But those metrics don't tell the whole story. New data shows plant-based meat consumers create value that extends well beyond the category itself. 🍽️ Plant-based meat diners made about 50% more restaurant chain visits and spent about $500 more in 2025 than the average diner. 🛒 Plant-based meat buyers took 15 more grocery trips and spent $484 more on groceries in 2025 than the average shopper. For retailers and operators evaluating plant-based meat’s place on the shelf or on the menu, the data also suggests plant-based meat availability can deliver value in multiple other ways like driving consumer acquisition, loyalty, and brand strength. I unpack the insights in my latest piece for The Good Food Institute's Substack: https://lnkd.in/eccechRT

Cadbury Revamps Dairy Milk with Resealable Packaging - Cadbury is transforming snacking habits across the UK with its innovative “Grab & Go” packaging, set to hit the market in July 2026. This new format is tailored for individuals on the move, featuring a resealable wrapper designed to promote portion control. This approach allows consumers to enjoy some chocolate... - https://lnkd.in/eKvjeWRZ

New Post: Why Private Label Is Becoming the Biggest Threat to Global Food Brands - https://lnkd.in/ePe59CEj label has evolved from being a low-cost alternative into one of the most powerful forces reshaping the global grocery industry. Across Europe, supermarket own brands are winning market share in almost every category, forcing multinational manufacturers to rethink their strategies. A decade ago, many consumers viewed supermarket own-label products as budget options purchased mainly during difficult economic periods. Today, that perception has changed dramatically. Retailers have invested heavily in product development, packaging, quality control and innovation. In many blind taste tests, consumers struggle to distinguish between supermarket own brands and leading international brands. For supermarkets, private label offers several advantages....International Supermarket NewsPrivate label has evolved from being a low-cost alternative into one of the most powerful forces reshaping the global grocery industry. Across Europe, supermarket own brands are winning market share in almost every category, forcing multinational manufacturers to rethink their strategies. A decade ago, many consumers viewed supermarket own-label products as budget options purchased mainly during difficult economic periods. Today, that perception has changed dramatically. Retailers have invested heavily in product development, packaging, quality control and innovation. In many blind taste tests, consumers struggle to distinguish between supermarket own brands and leading international brands. For supermarkets, private label offers several advantages. Retailers have greater control over pricing, production, packaging and product development. They can respond more quickly to changing consumer trends without relying on brand manufacturers. Most importantly, own-brand products often generate stronger profit margins than national brands. This shift is changing the balance of power within the food industry. Europe has become the world's leading private label market. In countries such as Switzerland, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, supermarket own brands account for a significant share of grocery sales. Categories such as dairy products, frozen foods, canned goods, household products, snacks and ready meals continue to see increasing private-label penetration. Consumers are no longer buying private label purely because it is cheaper. Many choose supermarket brands because they trust the retailer. Supermarkets have spent years building their reputations, and shoppers increasingly associate those retailers with quality, consistency and food safety. At the same time, inflation has accelerated the trend. During the recent cost-of-living crisis, millions of households switched from branded products to supermarket alternatives. What surprised many manufacturers w