All articles by Rob Brown
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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
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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
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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?
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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’
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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
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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?
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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
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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RankingsConfectionery - chocolate 2024: choc volumes dive as prices soar
It’s been a record-breaking year for chocolate – but not in a good way
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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