Rob Brown
Rob Brown is a freelance journalist for The Grocer.
Category ReportHow retailers can fire up sales this barbecue season
Brits spend nearly twice as much on barbecues than everyday meals: £5.04 versus £2.64
Category ReportHow beef won the top spot at the UK’s barbecues
Beef is the new king of the grill at UK barbecues, having stolen the crown from pork
Category ReportBorn to grill: Jolly Hog pitches Proper Porkers at posher BBQs
When people feel strapped for cash, staying in often becomes the new going out
Category ReportHow sauces are spicing up the nation’s barbecues
It’s not just Brits’ choice of meat that’s helping the UK raise its barbecue game
Category ReportTex-Mex BBQs tipped for growth
Many expect Mexican and US flavours to feature heavily at UK barbecues in the coming season
Category ReportVeg makes up half of all BBQ serves
It’s worth noting 51.8% of all food served at barbecues last year was veggie
Analysis & FeaturesWhat’s the truth behind honey fraud claims?
Honey’s provenance and authenticity has long been a sticky business, with claims difficult to prove and test for. As demand for cleaner labels drives its popularity, how are producers proving their product is what they say it is?
Category ReportA frozen renaissance: trends in frozen food 2026
With frozen sales lukewarm, Brits are ditching staples like peas and fish fingers in favour of savoury snacks and sweet treats
Category ReportWater, water everywhere: trends in bottled water 2026
Health-conscious Brits are buying more bottled water than ever. So, what are brands doing to reduce the resulting plastic waste?
Category ReportMeat feels the heat: trends in meat & poultry 2026
Sustainability and cost concerns mean Brits are eating less meat. The trade’s response: playing up UK produce’s high standards
Category ReportThe hunt for growth: Easter trends 2026
Less chocolate was sold last Easter despite more deals. What went wrong – and will this year’s earlier holiday make any difference?
Category ReportDining at its finest: trends in ready meals 2026
As consumers shun restaurants, a super-posh ready meal market is emerging. So, what persuades Brits to part with the big bucks?
RankingsSports nutrition 2025: Protein bars surge despite UPF debate
Joe Wicks might want to look away: sales of protein bars and other sports nutrition products are booming
RankingsBaby & infant products 2025: Babyfood hit by problems for pouches
In April a BBC Panorama investigation concluded several babyfood brands had made misleading health claims about pouched lines - and the fallout can be seen in NIQ’s numbers
RankingsConfectionery - chocolate 2025: Dubai craze can’t prevent volumes drop
Dubai-style chocolate was the category’s hottest craze this past year, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a decline in volumes
RankingsConfectionery - sugar 2025: Sweets sales soar ahead of HFSS rules
The market’s worth an extra £60.4m following a splurge by brands on ads, deals and NPD ahead of the government crackdown on junk food marketing
Category ReportElevating adult soft drinks: trends report 2025
Toasts were rarely made with healthy drinks – until now. Soft drinks brands are cashing in on Britain’s exodus from alcohol
Category ReportCan pastries grab a slice of at-home lunches? Trends in savoury pastries 2025
Eight of the top 10 savoury pastry brands are in value and volume growth despite big gains for premium own label. Who’s winning?
Category ReportA matter of nutrition: trends in plant-based 2025
With the spotlight on UPFs and consumers demanding cleaner ingredients decks, plant-based is doubling down on health
Category ReportBooze loses its bottle: trends in alcoholic drinks 2025
As Brits buy less booze and EPR charges hit suppliers, alcohol producers are ditching glass in favour of alternate pack formats