All articles by Rob Brown
-
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’
-
Category ReportHow oral care became beautiful: oral care trends 2024
After years of stagnation, oral care is now seeing demand for Instagrammable products. And it’s putting a smile on everyone’s faces
-
Category ReportYoghurt with benefits: Dairymen yoghurts & potted desserts trends 2024
Yoghurt sales have bounced back thanks to health-led claims from brands, which are going beyond protein and gut health
-
Category ReportThe coffee fan’s choice: Dairymen milk category report 2024
Coffee lovers are getting into a froth about making the perfect latte at home. Brands are responding with barista milks aplenty
-
Category ReportCold brew trends 2024: Full of beans
RTD iced coffee has enjoyed another growth spurt. Yet some of the giants have suffered a volume decline in the past year. Why?
-
Category ReportHot beverage trends 2024: How the wellness ‘mega-trend’ hit UK cuppas
The wellness ‘mega-trend’ has landed in the nation’s cuppas, as brands add fruits, herbs, mushrooms and more to hot beverages
-
Category ReportBreakfast trends 2024: Why brekkie is going places
As on-the-go breakfasts take off, supermarkets are going toe to toe with foodservice players. Who’s winning in the convenience era?