Mood munchies: What’s really driving snack time?
Research reveals that emotional drivers like stress, boredom and the need for comfort are shaping America’s snacking habits just as much as health or nutrition
Bakery
The snack shift: Why ‘better-for-you’ is big business in 2025
As health, convenience and sustainability drive consumer demand, brands are raising the bar on what it means to snack smart
Espresso Yourself … just not at Starbucks?
Starbucks is no longer the world’s most valuable restaurant brand, according to a new report from Brand Finance, a brand valuation consultancy. But is it still the number-one coffee spot?
Record Q1: Bimbo’s balancing act pays off
The Mexican bakery giant posted record Q1 sales by straddling a divided market - offsetting US softness with sharp growth in Latin America. From budget loaves to premium brioche, Bimbo is playing both ends to keep its global edge
Reaching Net Zero
Cocoa complicated: Luker Chocolate addresses volatility with sustainability
Disease and climate change drove cocoa volatility in 2024, as trade tensions and tariffs complicate the commodity’s price in 2025
Dubai chocolate craze causes global pistachio shortage and scams
Pistachio prices have risen as demand for trendy Dubai chocolate spikes, sending supplies of the nut down
Scientists closer to understanding ‘dessert stomach’ phenomenon
Researchers discover why feeling full can lead to sweet cravings. And the answer lies in a surprising place
Why Americans are boycotting Big Food brands like Walmart, PepsiCo and General Mills
Major US brands like Walmart and PepsiCo are facing a wave of consumer boycotts over rollbacks to their DEI commitments, while General Mills is under fire for allegedly selling overpriced, chemical-laden foods and contributing to worsening food insecurity
UPFs condemned by health body in further blow to sector
A leading European health body has dealt another blow to UPF manufacturers, maintaining their link to adverse health outcomes
Addressing UPFs ‘not main focus for food majors’ like Mondelēz and Ferrero
Companies are instead focusing on HFSS, says industry association head
Can RSPO certifications reduce efficiency?
A new study suggests that certifications may reduce palm oil coverage
Can Coca-Cola Zero conquer a country hooked on sugar?
Mexico is one of the highest consumers of sugary beverages in the world. Can Coca-Cola Zero win over consumers in the country and across Latin America?
Food industry fight against crop-killing parasites just got easier
Scientists make major breakthrough in the fight against crop disease, saving money and helping to protect future food security
Kellogg’s Kellanova will focus on innovation, smaller packs & enhanced marketing to drive snack sales
On track to separate from Kellogg Co. in the fourth quarter, Kellanova will position itself as a snacks-led powerhouse and improved company with “a growth mindset, a refreshed strategy and more ambitious financial expectations,” CEO Steve Cahillane said...
FoodNavigator publisher William Reed acquires Future Food-Tech event organizer Rethink Events
William Reed – the publisher of award-winning B2B brands including FoodNavigator and NutraIngredients - has acquired a majority stake in agri-food summit organizer Rethink Events.
Brazil’s Lula’s comeback cheered as new research claims ‘deforestation-free’ supply chain pledges have barely impacted forest clearance in Amazon
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s presidential election win in Brazil will make it easier for food and beverage companies to comply with their zero-deforestation commitments, it has been claimed.
Grupo Bimbo reports exceptional growth and snaps up St Pierre Groupe
The Mexican bread titan reported record sales and profits for Q3 2022, along with the acquisition of the UK bakery manufacturer, in a deal thought to be worth more than £300m.
European supplier CSM Ingredients eyes Latin America: ‘Our global growth strategy is centred on scaling up in other parts of the world’
CSM Ingredients is entering Latin America through a strategic partnership with Chilean player ICB. FoodNavigator catches up with CSM CEO Aldo Uva to learn more about how this expansion positions the European supplier for further growth.
Grupo Bimbo posts ‘exceptional’ Q2 performance, addresses challenging environment
The Mexican bakery giant reported a doubled second-quarter net profit and raised its sales and operating earnings outlook, citing strong demand from regions including the US and Europe.
Bimbo celebrates decade-long inclusivity and looks to the road ahead
Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) has released its 2021 Diversity, Equity & Belonging report, highlighting its successes over the past 10 years, and laying out goals for the next three.
2021 was yet another ‘exceptional year for Grupo Bimbo’
Mexican bakery giant Grupo Bimbo posted a 66.9% increase in fourth quarter net profit, along with a 74.7% bump up for FY 2021 to reach 15.9 billion pesos ($78m).
NEWS IN BRIEF
ADM acquires Flavor Infusion International expanding reach into Latin America and the Caribbean.
ADM has acquired Flavor Infusion International, expanding its global reach and capabilities in the high-growth flavor segment.
Grupo Bimbo leads Series A funding in superfood snack brand LiveKuna: 'We're doubling down on the North American market'
Grupo Bimbo, owner of well-known bakery brands including Sara Lee and Thomas English Muffins, is leading a Series A funding round for Ecuador-based LiveKuna, an emerging brand of superfood snacks, cereals, pastas, and alternative baking flours.
News in brief
CP Kelco & IMCD expand distribution agreement into Mexico market
IMCD has become CP Kelco’s strategic distributor in Mexico across all market segments of food, plus consumer and industrial (C&I) applications.
Sustainability at the source: How Unilever is addressing deforestation, living wages, and regenerative agriculture
How is Unilever ensuring sustainability in sourcing regions? Hanneke Faber, President Foods & Refreshment at Unilever, weighs in.
Aryzta offloads Brazilian bakery operations to Grupo Bimbo; secures €500m revolving credit
The Swiss-Irish group continues to simplify its business model with the sale of its Brazilian operations to Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV. Its aim to rebuild as a bakery leader in Europe and Asia has also been given a boost with a new €500m revolving credit...
Bimbo posts record profits, but cautions tougher environment going forward
The Mexican bakery giant posted new highs for the second quarter – with a 16.2% increase in sales and adjusted EBITDA growing nearly 37% – as it motivated to revitalise those channels and categories that suffered during the pandemic.
Food pairings 'ripe for innovation' as immunity mega-trend rolls on
Exploring unique food pairings offers food brands the chance to tap into consumer desire to improve immunity via functional food, according to a report.
Benexia harnesses the power of chia for enviable Keto-friendly bakes
Chia seed ingredients specialist Benexia has developed a Keto Chia Cake & Muffin Baking Mix that overcomes the dry texture, short shelf life and nutritional deficits typically associated with low-carb baking flours.
Sodium reduction: When it comes to salt perception, size matters, says MicroSalt
It’s well-known that the smaller the salt crystals, the saltier they taste, which means less is more, an enticing proposition for snack makers looking to reduce sodium. However, simply finely grinding table salt and sprinkling it on potato chips won’t do...
Tate & Lyle’s digital hub gives snack producers insight into the science behind better-for-you ingredients
The global ingredients specialist has created an online platform to provide its clients with access to the authoritative science behind its ingredients, which it hopes will go a long way to address public health challenges.
Grupo Bimbo celebrates 75th anniversary with record results, unwavering commitment and an energised position for the future
The world’s largest bakery company posted outstanding financial results, reported significant market share gains, was recognised as one of the world’s most ethical companies for the fifth consecutive year and increased its global use of renewable...
Modified starch ‘ink’ developed for 3D printing: ‘They’re simple, cheap and easy to implement on an industrial scale’
‘Ink’ used to make foods and novel materials by additive manufacturing have been developed by food engineers from modified starch.
Latin American start-up innovation amid coronavirus chaos
From the Mexican bakery delivering cook-it-yourself experiences to nutrition apps advising the healthiest meal plans during quarantine, Latin American start-ups and SMEs are adapting their business models to survive the coronavirus crisis.
AI key to safeguarding food systems amid coronavirus: tech firm
A UK tech company claims AI holds the key to avoiding the risk of coronavirus destabilising the food system.
Oleopalma first RSPO-certified company in Mexico
Oleopalma is setting the standard for palm oil production in Mexico as the first company in the country to receive Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification.
Latin America's food industry reacts to COVID-19 crisis: 'Our operations are indispensable to food security'
Brazil's Marfrig pledges to keep all its meat plants operating; Mercado Libre cuts commission for non-perishable food products; Ambev brewery is now producing alcohol gel. We take a look at how the food industry is responding to the coronavirus outbreak...
Custom-designed yeast can make food healthier, says biotech start-up
A Brazilian biotech start-up is custom-designing novel, natural yeast strains that can be used to make plant proteins, replace artificial additives and boost the bioavailability of minerals.
Make ultra-processed food more expensive, say Brazilian researchers
When ultra-processed food costs more, it is associated with lower prevalence of overweight and obesity in Brazil, suggesting taxes could be an effective tool to fight obesity, argue the authors of a recent study.
COVID-19: Industry calls for calm as Latin Americans panic buy
As coronavirus spreads through Latin America, retailers are seeking to calm consumers that food supplies are stable, but the impact on the region's economy could last well after the pandemic, experts warn.
Grupo Bimbo goes electric in Mexico
The Mexican bakery giant has invested $146m into its initiative to grow its electrically powered fleet to make emissions-free deliveries in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Mexican tortilla manufacturer changes packaging to denounce violence against women
Tortilla manufacturer Esperanza changed the packaging of its tortillas this month to raise awareness of femicide and domestic violence.
'Nature-based solutions': Nestlé to plant 3 million trees in the Americas by 2021
Starting in Mexico and Brazil, Nestlé will plant three million trees, restore degraded ecosystems and help farmers switch to agroforestry methods in a bid to make its supply chain more resilient.
Back on track? Court revokes Mexican nutrition label suspension but Concamin vows to fight on
Mexico's nutrition label is once again on path to enter into force as a court revokes the decision to provisionally suspend it, although industry says it will continue to oppose the regulation using "all legal means".
Judge suspends Mexico's nutrition label
A judge has temporarily suspended Mexico’s front-of-pack warning label following a request lodged by business lobbies on the grounds it was not widely consulted or based on scientific evidence.
Calls to abolish Brazil's mandatory GMO logo despite limited awareness
Brazil’s GMO logo has been mandatory since 2003 but three-quarters of Brazilians do not recognize it, according to a recent study. Should it be removed - as a draft law currently proposes - or redesigned?
Colombian government and food industry reveal mandatory warning label design
The Colombian government and food industry have agreed on warning nutrition labels that will become mandatory on unhealthy food and drink products sold in the country.
NPD trend tracker: From instant Starbucks to 'great tasting' CBD
FoodNavigator's weekly round up of new products from around Europe includes the launch of instant Starbucks coffee from Nestlé, a move the company says delivers a convenient premium coffee experience. Elsewhere, health and wellness drives saw the rollout...
Multi-functional cassava fiber shortens ingredient lists, says Fibervita
Using a patented technology, Brazil's Fibervita transforms co-streams from the cassava processing industry into a multi-functional ingredient that can clean up processed products' ingredient lists, it says.
'Emotional well-being' fuels healthy food purchases in Brazil: Mintel
Demand for food products that are beneficial to emotional health and well-being is strong among Brazilian consumers even across different socio-economic categories, according to Mintel.