GRAS under the microscope: FDA eyes reform as consumer trust wavers
CPG brands could face greater regulatory oversight, higher expectations for transparency and new risks if ingredient safety communication falls short
Beverage
Sustainable September
Sustainability as a blueprint: How Waiākea approaches eco-friendly RTD water
The company’s playbook offers CPG brands a blueprint for turning sustainability from a marketing claim into an operational advantage
UPF litigation: What brands need to know now
Early preparation, thorough documentation and proactive governance remain the best defense in a landscape where litigation and regulation related to ultra-processed food are still evolving
California’s UPF school ban heads to Gov. Newsom’s desk, sparks divided reactions
The legislation received bipartisan support to ban ultra-processed foods in California public schools and is on its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom, while industry stakeholders express mixed support on economy, school infrastructure and nutrition
Coffee linked to happiness in latest boost to $485.59bn industry
New research reveals caffeine could boost mood and energy - especially in the morning
Nestlé investors demand early exit of chairman Paul Bulcke amid CEO scandal
Investors want chairman Paul Bulcke out now. With trust shaken and shares slipping, pressure mounts for Pablo Isla to take the reins early
Sustainable September
Papacks bets on fiber bottles as plastic alternative
German company looks to US collaborators to scale compostable bottles
Juice brand Apple & Eve celebrates 50 years amid shifting trends
Family-focused juice brand leans on nostalgia and clean-label innovation to stay relevant in today’s marketplace
Hydration powders quench consumer demand
Category growth fuels retail wins as DryWater scales to 6,000 Walgreens locations
Apothékary scales retail while centering women’s hormonal health
Apothékary’s expansion from DTC powders into tinctures on the shelves of Sprouts and Ulta shows how CPG brands can grow strategically while addressing an underserved category: women’s hormonal health.
News Bites
Energy drinks, snack trends and a big split
Energy drinks, snacking behaviors and corporate restructuring made headlines this week, underscoring how rapidly the food and beverage landscape is shifting under competitive and consumer pressures
Sustainability September
Compostable packaging gains ground: What CPGs should know about PHA
Innovations in compostable packaging are moving towards a commercial reality, and CPG brands that engage early with PHA solutions will be better positioned to meet sustainability and compliance demands
From sugar cuts to smart packaging: The new playbook for kids’ drinks
As FDA and MAHA tighten rules, kids’ CPG brands are leaning into transparency, functionality and eco-conscious design
Major PepsiCo investor launches campaign for overhaul
Elliott Investment Management, with a $4bn stake in the company, wants to shake things up
Celsius buys Rockstar Energy Drink from PepsiCo
The deal also includes a $558 million investment from PepsiCo and distribution of Celsius’ Alani Nu
Is food and drink failing the planet? Share your view now
The global food and drink industry’s biggest sustainability call to action has kicked off in the first month-long Sustainable September event
Suntory reacts as CEO quits amid drug investigation
The shocking resignation of Japanese food and beverage giant Suntory’s CEO has sent shockwaves through the industry
Cold foam: Tapping into the new at home coffee trend
TikTok drives Gen Z market trends in coffee for at-home latte hacks
News Bites: Beef tallow surge, fall flavors beyond pumpkin spice and SNAP impact
This week’s top stories explore beef tallow’s viral rise, new fall flavor trends and how SNAP policy changes are reshaping value-driven innovation
Can KDP and JDE Peet’s new coffee giant challenge Nestlé’s stronghold?
Keurig, Jacobs and Douwe Egberts take on Nespresso and Nescafe
Coffee price hikes help JM Smucker Co weather tariffs
CEO says the company has yet to feel the impact from GLP-1 drugs
Is Nestlé pulling back on plant-based?
Nestlé continues move away from plant-based as market growth slows
Inside Torani’s people-centric playbook for $1b growth
In a layoff-heavy industry, beverage syrup and sauce brand Torani’s century-long people-first approach delivers stability, growth and a clear path to $1B revenue
Functional beverages evolve amid GLP-1 use and private label growth
FedUp Foods’ Ravi Jhala breaks down how GLP-1 trends and private label innovation are influencing functional beverage strategies for CPGs and retailers
The UPF lawsuit that fizzled – and why the next one might not
A US judge tossed the first big UPF lawsuit, but with mounting science and regulators circling, bakery, snack and cereal brands shouldn’t breathe easy just yet
Coca-Cola reportedly planning Costa Coffee sale
Coca-Cola rumoured to be in talks to sell British coffee chain Costa Coffee
McCormick doubles down on ‘finishing’ trend with re-launched sugars
McCormick is building out its Finishing Sugars portfolio as consumers and operators look for easy-to-use flavor boosters that deliver indulgence at home and across foodservice
Artificial sweeteners still bitter? Natural fix shows promise
Scientists discover possible solution to ‘bitter’ taste in artificial sweeteners
Keurig Dr Pepper to acquire JDE Peet’s in transformative $18bn coffee deal
The acquisition will create the world’s top pure-play coffee company; which Keurig Dr Pepper will separate from its refreshment beverages business
News Bites
From deregulation to reformulation: MAHA draft, consumer trends and California’s UPF ban in schools
From Washington’s deregulatory MAHA draft to consumers reshaping shopping habits and California move to curb ultra-processed foods in schools, this week brought pivotal shifts for food and beverage stakeholders
Beyond pumpkin spice: The emerging fall flavors brewing in 2025
For years, pumpkin spice has ruled the autumn beverage scene – the undisputed seasonal champion. But this year, it’s facing new contenders that are stirring up excitement among consumers and brands alike
How CPG brands can navigate SNAP waivers and restrictions
As new regulations tighten Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility and states introduce waivers restricting the use of benefits for “unhealthy” foods, CPG brands face both risks and opportunities
Gen Z drinking trends: 5 things to think about when targeting this key demographic
If Gen Z is drinking less alcohol, that means competition is stiffer than ever before for when they actually do drink. What do alcohol brands need to know when targeting this key demographic?
California bill targets ultra-processed foods in schools — what’s next for food companies
For CPG manufacturers and foodservice operators, California’s sweeping reforms signal an era of tighter scrutiny on ingredients, marketing and supply chains
Inside the $1.1bn pumpkin spice economy: Fall’s flavor forecast for 2025
Pumpkin spice still anchors autumn, but fatigue is setting in. With cinnamon, caramel and citrus surging, makers must balance nostalgia with novelty to win fall 2025
Can AI and automation change the game in beverage manufacturing?
While AI technology may grab the headlines, automation still propels most of the efficiency gains in manufacturing. But both technologies can certainly alleviate workforce worries
Retail realities: Modest food and beverage growth amid shifting consumer priorities
Divergence across income and demographic groups, heightened health consciousness and evolving definitions of value are reshaping retail strategies
What’s new in dairy? New product launches
We take a look at some of the notable new releases in recent weeks . . .
Water kefir: A new gut-health growth opportunity?
Kefir’s dairy-free twin has enormous growth potential
3 food crops resilient to climate change (and 3 less so)
As the commodity crisis takes hold, which crops are at the most risk from climate pressures?
Good Food Collective rallies brands for stronger labeling standards, transparent packaging
The coalition aims to unite brands around more responsible labeling and ingredient standards with proactive participation in regulatory outcomes
The next wave of RTD coffee: Sugar reduction and functional add-ons
While RTD coffee is a favorite of Gen Z, many brands have a murky secret: high levels of sugar. Can the next generation of products tackle this problem and propel the category to new heights?
What’s brewing in the US coffee creamer space?
Refrigerated coffee creamers are a thriving category fueled by consumer appetite for barista-style drinks. Here’s what’s driving innovation
Can a lower Brix standard help orange juice manufacturers?
FDA’s proposal to lower the required sugar content in not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice has been in development for several years, with some manufacturers and industry associations calling it a step forward in improving US citrus production
What’s driving consumers’ beverage choices?
Highlights from Keurig Dr Pepper’s beverage trend report
What’s hot (and not) in grocery
The growth of fresh-format specialty and value groceries reflect shifting consumer shopping preferences rooted in value, convenience and relevance
Coke sweetened with cane sugar to launch in the US this fall
Coca-Cola confirms a cane sugar sweetened Coke will launch in the US in a matter of weeks: but as an additional option in its existing portfolio rather than a reformulation of the flagship drink. From Diet Coke to Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, we take a look at...
Summer Fancy Food Show
5 macro trends shaping specialty food retail
National distributor Kehe spotlighted five emerging macro trends that reflect how consumers are redefining health, flavor and value in the specialty food space
Is Pepsi Prebiotic Cola a ‘game-changer’ or just late to the game?
The beverage giant’s new cola adds fiber and leans on the cache of cane sugar — but faces stiff competition from a wave of early movers with cult-like followings
Graasí’s organic barley water taps into the functional beverage boom
Founder Chris LaCorata shares how Graasí evolved from a community revitalization effort into an organic barley-based wellness drink built for today’s health-conscious consumer