Rob Brown
Rob Brown is a freelance journalist for The Grocer.
Category ReportIs it chocolate? How soaring cocoa costs are changing cakes and biscuits
As cocoa prices hit record highs, cake and biscuit makers are turning to cheaper ‘chocolate flavour coating’
Category ReportFull-fat indulgence: Dairymen milk category report 2025
Demand for creamier, full-fat milk is soaring as dietary advice turns in its favour and shoppers shun processed food & drink
Category ReportThe trolley problem: petcare category report 2025
Supermarkets and pet shops are losing sales as a new generation of pet parents turns to online and bargain stores. How can the mults fight back?
Category ReportHow pizza is going posh: trends in pizza 2025
As consumers turn away from frozen to fancier chilled options, brands are playing up premium toppings and regional variants
Category ReportHealthy competition: trends in breakfast & brunch 2025
The likes of oats and yoghurt are winning share as Brits try to eat healthier in the morning. Where does that leave breakfast staples?
Category ReportRise of the gourmet sandwich: lunchbox category report 2025
Supermarkets and foodservice are pushing posher sarnies as the battle for lunchtime hots up. Where does this leave packed lunch?
Category ReportHow retailers are cracking healthier snacking
The supers say they’re upping their healthier snack game. Eggs have even poached crisps’ spot as Tesco’s most-bought meal deal side. What’s next?
Category ReportGut instinct: trends in soft drinks 2025
Soft drinks carrying gut health claims are turning heads among investors and winning space in stores. So, who’s cashing in most?
Category ReportThe big tomato fight: trends in canned & ambient foods 2025
Brands’ ambient tomato products are battering own label as they cash in on scratch cooking, provenance and the fallout from a BBC exposé
Category ReportThe summer pig-out: trends in barbecue 2025
Barbecuing last year hit heights not seen since 2021 as Brits took inspiration from around the world. So, what’s cooking for 2025?
Category ReportJust what the doctor ordered? Trends in juices & smoothies 2025
As take-home juice volumes slump, makers of shots are touting their health benefits to recoup sales. But do their claims stand up?
Category ReportAll out of luck? Household paper products category report 2025
Loo roll brands have lost unit share to cheaper own label. How can they revive their fortunes?
Category ReportWho will ‘catch the worm’ this Easter? Category report 2025
Confectioners look set for a bonanza this spring, after their chocolate eggs rolled into stores ever so early
RankingsSports nutrition 2024: protein lines boosted by meal deals
Huel, Grenade and Warrior all achieved gains partly as a result of greater use of meal deals
RankingsPersonal care - health 2024: lubes & gels ride the trend for wellness
Lubricants & gels have grown volumes faster than any of the other seven sectors in this report
RankingsConfectionery - chocolate 2024: choc volumes dive as prices soar
It’s been a record-breaking year for chocolate – but not in a good way
RankingsConfectionery - sugar 2024: sour flavours soften blow for sweets
There’s no point sugar-coating it: retailers have sold 2.1 million fewer kilos of candy
Category ReportBack with a bang: food to go trends 2024
Food to go has exploded in the past year, with annual unit sales at last overcoming the slump caused by Covid. Who’s cashing in?
Category ReportA new dawn for plant-based?
Cost of living struggles have hit plant-based sales, but the market is looking to recover with a more natural generation of products
Category ReportProtein gets the feelgood factor: protein trends 2024
Protein isn’t just for gym rats. Growing numbers of Brits are upping their intake for general health and to ‘feel good’