From snacks to globally inspired meals and healthy options, the frozen category is rife with innovation and excitement, as suppliers show there is no need for compromise when choosing frozen over fresh.
As they seek to entertain more at home, consumers will be looking for affordable indulgence both for gifting and self-treating, as well as multi-sensory experiences from their festive products.
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World foods are broadening their appeal, from African jollof seasonings to Polish kefir, as consumers discover authentic flavours in their weekly shop. The days of rigid ethnic food aisles are over - today’s shoppers want authentic flavours that fit their health goals and busy lifestyles.
Protein and functional foods suppliers are broadening out their offer as consumers’ focus on health & wellness leads them increasingly to the sector.
While efficacy and convenience remain important factors in household cleanliness, the laundry and personal care sectors are increasingly focused on fragrance and freshness to promote personalised wellbeing.
Leading UK franchise & fascia operators are implementing ambitious expansion strategies while addressing mounting economic pressures and intensifying competition from supermarket chains.
As the single-use vapes ban comes into force, nicotine pouches could prove to be the next target for zealous regulators. However, suppliers are pivoting to other products to ensure their businesses continue to thrive.
While economic pressures have not disappeared, the beer and cider industry is adapting and finding new ways to connect with drinkers who are becoming more selective about where and what they spend their money on.
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While the free from sector continues to flourish, plant-based suppliers have faced challenges in an environment where their consumer audience, including flexitarians, are watching their wallets.
Whether eaten on-the-go in fast-paced hybrid working or during a leisurely weekend gathering, the opportunities afforded by breakfast & brunch are multiple and diverse. Now, as retailers increasingly realise the occasion’s potential, different strategies to capitalise are coming to the fore and suppliers are stepping up to help.
Despite cost-of-living challenges, packaging suppliers maintain that consumers are still focused on sustainability and environmentally friendly packaging. So, they are continuing drive for improvements in materials and design. However, recycling infrastructure is an ongoing conundrum.
The normally resilient petcare category has taken a knock over the past year as consumers adjust spending to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. However, premium and natural foods are driving growth and the category is gradually stabilising.
While own-label has dominated the UK’s cheese category in recent years, brands are back on the menu as consumer interest in the versatility and origin of products spurs greater interest in recipes, use as a meat alternative, and indulgent snacking.
Appealing to a wide variety of consumer need states – including permissible indulgence, snacking and health – the confectionery category is showing its resilience. However, innovation and fun are key to keeping it vibrant for consumers across all ages.
UK consumers are seeking quality in their at-home beverages, with cold brew, extracts and tea infusions coming to the fore. Meanwhile chilled and iced ready-to-drink coffees are gaining traction as flavours evolve.
While customers remain cost-conscious, bread & baked goods suppliers are focusing on quality, as well as adventurous and innovative NPD to attract shoppers to the category and ride out the storm.
The UK’s diverse soft drinks market continues to be awash with innovation as functional beverages remain in the driving seat. Discover the latest trending flavours and suppliers’ views on how to tackle in-store presentation of this vast category.
As the industry awaits the outcome of the proposed Tobacco & Vapes Bill, suppliers are focusing on strategies that will continue to spur growth, such as next-gen products.
Suppliers are spicing things up even further in the snacking category in response to consumer demand.
While the total alcoholic beverage market in the UK is stuttering somewhat, the low & no sector is increasingly becoming mainstream, particularly for beer and cider suppliers.
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