Plate of pasta

Source: Unsplash/Ben Lei

By Stephen Jones (stephen.jones@thegrocer.co.uk) 

Advertising deadline: 18 September 2026

Submissions deadline: 11 September 2026

From penne alla vodka to baked feta pasta and ‘marry me’ sauce, social media trends have played a major role in our pasta-eating habits over recent years. So what are the next big trends and how are suppliers responding?

Trends and NPD: Standout launches

• Which pasta recipes are going viral right now?

• How are suppliers responding through NPD?

• Which pasta sauces we expect to see from suppliers next?

Brands vs own label: The state of play

• How are brands faring compared to own label lines?

• Which particular sectors are performing well in each?

• Are retailers quicker or slower than brands to respond to online trends?

Provenance: Italian ingredients

• How important a purchase driver is provenance in pasta and sauces?

• Which suppliers and retailers are championing Italian ingredients?

• To what extent will shoppers pay more for provenance?

Pricing: Inflationary pressures

• Is inflation hitting pasta or pasta sauces harder?

• Which factors are at play here?

• Are price changes influencing shoppers’ buying habits?

Brand spotlights: We will profile two brands making an impact in the category. Please provide strong hi res images.

Innovations: We will profile four new products or ranges. We need launch date, rsp, and a hi-res picture of each.

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