Rob Brown
Rob Brown is a freelance journalist for The Grocer.
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
Category ReportHow will Joe’s ‘Killer’ blow affect protein?
Joe Wicks has branded many protein bars UPFs, claiming some are linked to cancer and stroke. How much damage could it do?
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?