All articles by Rob Brown
-
Category ReportHow retailers can fire up sales this barbecue season
Brits spend nearly twice as much on barbecues than everyday meals: £5.04 versus £2.64
-
Category ReportVeg makes up half of all BBQ serves
It’s worth noting 51.8% of all food served at barbecues last year was veggie
-
Category ReportHow beef won the top spot at the UK’s barbecues
Beef is the new king of the grill at UK barbecues, having stolen the crown from pork
-
Category ReportHow sauces are spicing up the nation’s barbecues
It’s not just Brits’ choice of meat that’s helping the UK raise its barbecue game
-
Category ReportBorn to grill: Jolly Hog pitches Proper Porkers at posher BBQs
When people feel strapped for cash, staying in often becomes the new going out
-
Category ReportTex-Mex BBQs tipped for growth
Many expect Mexican and US flavours to feature heavily at UK barbecues in the coming season
-
Analysis & FeaturesWhat’s the truth behind honey fraud claims?
Honey’s provenance and authenticity has long been a sticky business, with claims difficult to prove and test for. As demand for cleaner labels drives its popularity, how are producers proving their product is what they say it is?
-
Category ReportA frozen renaissance: trends in frozen food 2026
With frozen sales lukewarm, Brits are ditching staples like peas and fish fingers in favour of savoury snacks and sweet treats
-
Category ReportWater, water everywhere: trends in bottled water 2026
Health-conscious Brits are buying more bottled water than ever. So, what are brands doing to reduce the resulting plastic waste?
-
Category ReportMeat feels the heat: trends in meat & poultry 2026
Sustainability and cost concerns mean Brits are eating less meat. The trade’s response: playing up UK produce’s high standards
-
Category ReportThe hunt for growth: Easter trends 2026
Less chocolate was sold last Easter despite more deals. What went wrong – and will this year’s earlier holiday make any difference?
-
Category ReportDining at its finest: trends in ready meals 2026
As consumers shun restaurants, a super-posh ready meal market is emerging. So, what persuades Brits to part with the big bucks?
-
RankingsConfectionery - chocolate 2025: Dubai craze can’t prevent volumes drop
Dubai-style chocolate was the category’s hottest craze this past year, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a decline in volumes
-
RankingsConfectionery - sugar 2025: Sweets sales soar ahead of HFSS rules
The market’s worth an extra £60.4m following a splurge by brands on ads, deals and NPD ahead of the government crackdown on junk food marketing
-
RankingsBaby & infant products 2025: Babyfood hit by problems for pouches
In April a BBC Panorama investigation concluded several babyfood brands had made misleading health claims about pouched lines - and the fallout can be seen in NIQ’s numbers
-
RankingsSports nutrition 2025: Protein bars surge despite UPF debate
Joe Wicks might want to look away: sales of protein bars and other sports nutrition products are booming
-
Category ReportElevating adult soft drinks: trends report 2025
Toasts were rarely made with healthy drinks – until now. Soft drinks brands are cashing in on Britain’s exodus from alcohol
-
Category ReportCan pastries grab a slice of at-home lunches? Trends in savoury pastries 2025
Eight of the top 10 savoury pastry brands are in value and volume growth despite big gains for premium own label. Who’s winning?
-
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
-
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