All articles by Pola Lem
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Category ReportA new ethical scheme on the block: trends in ethical trading 2025
Rainforest Alliance has raised the bar on regenerative agriculture – but how much appetite is there for another sustainability seal?
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Category ReportA wider world of cuisine: trends in world cuisine 2025
Brits have had enough chow mein and nachos. They prefer truly authentic regional dishes from the likes of Mexico, India, Korea
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Category ReportWhipped right up: Dairymen continental cheese category report 2024
A TikTok trend for whipped feta has seen it roll into the supermarkets. Mediterranean and served-hot cheese are also having moments
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Comment & OpinionFlora’s Smoked Garlic line takes flavoured butters into the mainstream
As the third largest player in the butters and spreads category, Flora’s entry into flavoured lines is a milestone
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Comment & OpinionWhy Lidl’s breakfast challenge to Greggs is a smart move
By pitching itself as a cheaper alternative to the king of breakfast – and one that competes on price – Lidl may just be on to a winning formula
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Category ReportPizza trends 2024: A slice for everyone
Pizza volumes are flagging, so brands are broadening their styles and toppings. Will this commitment to innovation boost sales?
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Comment & OpinionUPF tax may have consumer support, but it’s riddled with pitfalls
The proposed tax on ultra-processed foods throws up several potential problems, including a lack of definition
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Comment & OpinionCould buckwheat be the next ancient grain to break into the mainstream?
Shoppers are open to trying the nutty seed, Mintel data suggests
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Category ReportInfant & childcare trends 2024: growing baby
As concerns over sugar content mount and parents become ever more price-conscious, how can babyfood continue to grow sales?
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Analysis & FeaturesWho gives a crap about a brand name?
From Liquid Death to Düng, today’s challenger brands are defying conventional naming conventions. And while not without risk, the rewards can be great
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NewsAvocado volumes rise 17%, as industry body says ‘room for growth’
It is the fastest rising fruit for volume sales over the past year, according to NIQ data
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Comment & OpinionWe’re not yet at peak premium lager, but we’re getting close
Can Spanish lager Cruzcampo capture British hearts?
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Analysis & FeaturesSpring is on the shelves: what was new in May 2024
Each month, we highlight new and interesting products, displays and features our team has snapped in the leading grocers
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NewsFmcg brands doubt they can cut out plastic packaging in five years
Industry representatives at Rethinking Materials summit sceptical over five-year elimination of plastic packaging
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Category ReportHealthier snacking trends 2024: What nuts and seeds needs
Whitworths is lobbying the government to add dried fruit, nuts & seeds to 5 a day guidance but consumer education is also needed
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Category ReportSoft drinks trends 2024: Soda’s new stars
Soft drinks aisles are increasingly crowded, as a host of smaller brands jostle for space. Who are the challengers?
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Comment & OpinionWhy small-time kelp is making UK food and drink gains
New AI data shows the use of seaweed in NPD food and drink launches is on the up
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Comment & OpinionAldi’s Next Big Thing: engaging insight into product pitch process
Some interesting small brands pitched, all facing the prospect of scaling fast and reducing prices on their premium products
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NewsSuncare sales boosted by hot weather and Superdrug price cuts
Bucking the volume decline in most skincare sectors, suncare grew 10.6% in 2023
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InterviewsTony’s supply chain guru on changing chocolate sourcing for good
To fight child exploitation, Tony’s Chocolonely open chain lead Joke Aerts wants to apply its five sourcing principles at scale. How is she going about the task?