Biorigin Horizontal Web Banner December 2025
After the spike: Cocoa’s volatile new norm forces structural industry shift
After the spike: Cocoa’s volatile new norm forces structural industry shift
The world’s largest chocolate maker, Barry Callebaut, is reportedly exploring separating its cocoa division from its chocolate business, marking what could be a structural break in the industry between manufacturing and commodity trading that would reshape how the sector manages supply chain risk. 
Top Trends 2026: Protein precision, gut-brain wellness & the authenticity imperative
Top Trends 2026: Protein precision, gut-brain wellness & the authenticity imperative
As global trade dynamics and tariffs reshape the F&B landscape, Innova Market Insights’ 2026 top ten trends reveal an industry navigating economic volatility and evolving consumer demands. Product reformulation has become a strategic lever for resilience, with companies leveraging ingredient innovation to manage costs while meeting consumer priorities around health, transparency, and taste. 
Innova’s Global SVP Research unpacks prominent trends at Fi Europe 2025
Innova’s Global SVP Research unpacks prominent trends at Fi Europe 2025
GLP-1’s impact on the food industry, products powered by protein, and increasing fiber intake inspired conversations on the Fi Europe 2025 show floor in Paris, France (Dec 2–4). Food Ingredients First sat down with Lu Ann Williams, SVP of global research at Innova Market Insights, as she unpacked the latest F&B innovation trends — pushing back on the idea that “protein is the new fiber,” and highlighting significant opportunities for creativity in the evolving GLP-1 landscape.
Yerba Mate vs. Matcha: A New Chapter in Functional Innovation
Yerba Mate vs. Matcha: A New Chapter in Functional Innovation
Matcha meets its Latin American counterpart. Discover how yerba mate delivers balanced vitality, a bold flavor profile, and sustainable sourcing. Our e-book reveals key market insights and application ideas to drive the next wave of innovation in natural energy solutions.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Duas Rodas.
Fi Europe 2025: Brenntag on “Better by Choice” ingredients for modern sustainable nutrition
Fi Europe 2025: Brenntag on “Better by Choice” ingredients for modern sustainable nutrition

At Fi Europe 2025, Brenntag’s Dr. Nadia D’Incecco, EMEA director for Strategic Marketing Food & Nutrition, shares how the company’s “Better by Choice” motto comes to life through smart, science-backed ingredient solutions that support modern lifestyles, holistic well-being, and practical, scalable sustainability for today’s conscious brands.

F&B ingredients industry 2025: Most read stories
F&B ingredients industry 2025: Most read stories
F&B ingredients trends centered on health, sustainability, and affordability. From plant-based advancements and gut health to the rising importance of protein and stress relief, industry leaders responded to shifting consumer needs. Key highlights included new developments in alternative proteins, gene-editing technologies, and supply chain regulations, with brands embracing transparency, flavor innovation, and functional ingredients for competitive advantage. We look back at the year’s top read stories.

Latest headlines

View more
EU Parliament approves Deforestation Regulation delay and revision
EU Parliament approves Deforestation Regulation delay and revision
The European Parliament has formally adopted a further delay and revision to its EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), meaning large companies and operators will have until December 30, 2026, to comply, and small and micro-enterprises until June 30, 2027. This latest delay represents a one-year postponement of the law’s enforcement.
Givaudan and Bühler-backed The Cultured Hub expands into plant cell culture
Givaudan and Bühler-backed The Cultured Hub expands into plant cell culture
Givaudan, Bühler, and Migros’ joint venture, The Cultured Hub, has expanded its alternative protein portfolio to include plant cell culturing for high-value ingredients like cocoa and coffee, while continuing its original focus on advancing cultivated meat and cellular agriculture.
Diageo completes East African Breweries sale to Asahi for US$2.3B
Diageo completes East African Breweries sale to Asahi for US$2.3B
Diageo has agreed to sell its 65% stake in East African Breweries (EABL) to Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings for US$2.3 billion, marking the UK spirits giant’s final major African brewing divestment as it accelerates deleveraging efforts announced earlier this year. 
Scientists discover molecular “switch” to boost crop resilience in cold climates
Scientists discover molecular “switch” to boost crop resilience in cold climates
Scientists in South Korea have discovered a rapid molecular “switch” that reprograms plant growth in response to cold stress. The findings potentially unlock pathways to climate-resilient crops that can thrive under unpredictable climate conditions.
British regulators approve Greencore’s £1.2B acquisition of Bakkavor
British regulators approve Greencore’s £1.2B acquisition of Bakkavor
Major British F&B supplier Greencore has announced it will complete its £1.2 billion (US$1.53 billion) acquisition of Bakkavor in January 2026, following regulatory approval from the UK Competition and Markets Authority. 
Scaling conservation of Himalayan wild-collected plants and fungi in Nepal
Scaling conservation of Himalayan wild-collected plants and fungi in Nepal

Nutrition Insight

The Himalayan mountain range in Nepal is a prime location for wild plants and fungi with uses in herbal medicine, supplements, and cosmetics. Examples include kutki (Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora), used in Ayurvedic medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties, and cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), which is a valued ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, these species are threatened by unsustainable harvesting and substantial market demand from India and China, where insufficient border controls increase the risk of illegal trade. 
Highlighted features
article image
Food Ingredients News
Supermarket food trends: What’s driving consumer purchasing...
The growing use of GLP-1 and push for more protein and fiber, as well as rising concerns over ultra-processed foods, is reshaping the grocery shopping landscape. These consumer trends are emerging as crucial influencers for changing volumes, food choices, and purchasing decisions.
article image
Food Ingredients News
GNT’s “Gather Together” report highlights how color can...
Consumers are increasingly seeking connection and comfort in shared food and drink experiences, according to GNT Group. Moreover, the company is spotlighting color as a tool for brands to engage with consumers, as its new “Gather Together” report highlights how natural, plant-based shades can help brands shape products that are social, expressive, emotionally resonant, and reflect emerging shifts in consumer behavior.

Ingredient focus

View more
technicalpaper

Top trends 2026 for F&BDec2025

Innova Market Insights highlights “Powerhouse Protein” as the top trend for 2026. Consumers are looking for protein products with additional health benefits to improve their nutrition. Other trends fo...

Brought to you by:

Ingredion

Product innovation

View more
product image

Christmas-themed F&B takes NPD spotlight Dec 2025

Innova Market Insights data reveals that food takes center stage in the festive season with most consumers worldwide highlighting its importance in their Christmas celebrations. Almost half of consumers say that they usually purchase sweet bakery, dessert and ice cream, and bread products for Christmas, inspiring brands to release festive twists on everyday items. 

Trend analysis

View more
analysis chart image

Emulsifier innovationDec 2025

Consumers increasingly pay attention to what they are eating, where it comes from, and how it is produced. This demand is driving innovation for natural, plant-based emulsifiers with clean labels. Innova Market Insights data indicates a 5% compound annual growth rate in F&B launches with emulsifiers (July 2020 – June 2025). Bakery was the top category in launches with emulsifiers, while Soft Drinks showed the fastest growth in this period.

Multimedia

View more
headline
Video03:41
Fi Europe 2025: Inside Syensqo’s innovations in natural flavors, preservation & pet nutrition

Syensqo’s Cem Dik, sales director, discusses how evolving consumer needs drove the development of the company’s innovative natural flavors and preservation solutions. He highlights Riza’s superior natural preservation compared to traditional antioxidants, explores new pet nutrition...

FormattedPicture
Video05:17
Fi Europe 2025: California Natural Color on scaling natural dyes with crystal-color technology
FormattedPicture
Video03:19
Fi Europe 2025: Olenex’s specialty oils and fats unlock bakery and confectionery innovation
FormattedPicture
Video05:35
Fi Europe 2025: Brenntag on “Better by Choice” ingredients for modern sustainable nutrition
Subscribe to our newsletters
PlatformsFood Ingredients FirstNutrition InsightPackaging InsightsPersonal Care InsightsThe World of Food Ingredients
About usContact usAdvertisingPrivacy statementSitemapArchive
Follow us
linkedinrss_headergoogle_news
trans