March in review: Global fertilizer crisis, Unilever food division sale, Danone Huel acquisition
Key takeaways
- The Strait of Hormuz closure escalated into a supply chain crisis, threatening fertilizer flows and raising food input costs.
- Unilever received a takeover approach from McCormick, while Pernod Ricard entered merger talks with Brown-Forman.
- Danone’s Huel deal underscored its nutrition push, as Beyond faced a potential Nasdaq delisting.
In March 2026, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Israel strikes on Iran evolved into a prolonged supply chain crisis. Fertilizer flows are under threat, driving knock-on effects for food ingredients, while Iran’s plans for a permanent transit control system could further increase global input costs.
Unilever received a takeover approach from McCormick for its food division. Pernod Ricard revealed discussions to merge with Brown-Forman in a potential deal that would create a global spirits leader.
Danone’s €1 billion (US$1.2 billion) acquisition of Huel highlighted its push into the growing “complete nutrition” segment. Meanwhile, Beyond faced a looming Nasdaq delisting deadline after prolonged share price weakness.
We look back at the biggest stories from March.
EU Commission sounds €440B PFAS cost alarm as food sector accelerates alternatives
A new study commissioned by the European Commission warned that “forever chemicals” could have far-reaching societal and economic consequences. We spoke with F&B industry leaders, food safety authorities, and PFAS experts to understand the growing concerns surrounding PFAS contamination, particularly in relation to food safety.
Symrise reveals Gen Alpha’s growing impact on household food choices
Adolescents are not just a “future-consumer” focus — F&B businesses should already be targeting Gen Alpha consumers as a growth lever. But what do Gen Alphas prioritize when making F&B purchases? A new study by Symrise sought to answer these questions, revealing how adolescents shape F&B trends across EAME countries.
Energy shock, fertilizer crunch, freight surge: Food manufacturers face triple hit from Iran war
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a supply chain crisis that extends beyond crude oil, threatening food ingredient markets through a cascade of fertilizer shortages, vegetable oil price spikes, and sugar refinery disruption. We explored the F&B impacts of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting global fertilizer flows, raising fears of food shortages and surging agricultural input costs.
Nestlé adopts ChoViva as confectionery giants embrace cocoa-free solutions
Planet A Foods’ ChoViva cocoa-free chocolate alternative gained traction with F&B giants, as brands future-proof themselves against cocoa supply volatility. Nestlé Germany revealed it would expand its Choco Crossies “Snack Vibes” line using ChoViva, while Planet A Foods told us it is talking to other major brands about similar product launches.
Plant-based naming dispute: How the EU’s new rules could disrupt food marketing
EU trilogue discussions about whether plant-based foods can use meat-related names on alternative F&B products reached a conclusion — and the result was a mix of bans and restrictions on certain terminology. We explored how the new rules might impact companies operating in the plant-based space.
Beyond faces Nasdaq delisting: What will the plant-based pioneer do next?
Beyond (formerly Beyond Meat) has until August 31, 2026, to save its listing on Nasdaq, after it traded below the minimum US$1 per share price for 30 consecutive business days. We looked at how this early plant-based meat pioneer plans to bounce back from long-term sales decline and regain compliance with the US’ second-largest stock exchange.
European rice production in “crisis” amid calls to review trade policies
EU trade organizations warned “rice has no future” in Europe unless existing trade agreements are revised. The developing crisis is driven by rising production costs, strict regulatory requirements, and a significant increase in imports entering the EU market. EU agri-food group, Copa-Cogeca, highlighted how a growing imbalance is affecting the sector.
Unilever’s food division has attracted a takeover approach from McCormick, signaling a potential multibillion-dollar reshaping of its brand portfolio.
At FI China 2026, Lactalis Ingredients highlighted a range of dairy solutions that tap into the nation’s growing market, where demand for high-protein and functional foods continues to rise. Marion Bucas, marketing director at Lactalis Ingredients, explained how the company used the trade show as a key touchpoint in China.
McCormick makes offer for Unilever food division in potential multibillion-dollar deal
Unilever confirmed it received an offer from McCormick for its food division, which includes Hellmann’s, Knorr, and Marmite, in what could be one of the largest food industry deals in years. The companies issued separate statements confirming they are in discussions, though both cautioned there is no certainty that a transaction will be agreed.
Danone’s €1B Huel acquisition: What does it signal for functional food?
Danone’s move to acquire vegan meal replacement brand Huel in a €1 billion (US$1.2 billion) deal signaled that the F&B multinational is cementing its place in the protein movement and betting on “complete nutrition” going mainstream. Food Ingredients First explored why Huel is an attractive prospect for Danone and what the deal means for the wider industry.
AI-powered ingredient discovery gains ground as Ingredion and Shiru target novel prebiotics
Ingredion and AI company Shiru announced a global R&D collaboration aimed at accelerating the discovery and commercialization of novel functional proteins. We spoke to both companies to learn about how the joint venture could evolve F&B product development and discovery, and how AI is changing the industry’s ability to answer growing consumer demands.
Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman explore merger to strengthen global spirits portfolio
Pernod Ricard revealed it is in discussions to merge with whiskey rival Brown-Forman. If agreed, and subject to customary approvals, the combined company would create a global spirits leader with enhanced global scale, amid a mix of structural and economic pressures affecting the global alcohol market. We explored what this potential mega-merger signals for the spirits industry.
Pernod Ricard’s merger talks with Brown-Forman point to consolidation in the spirits sector amid mounting global market pressures.
Tehran’s “toll booth” in Hormuz cuts Western buyers out of fertilizer supply chain
The Strait of Hormuz crisis entered a new phase. Four weeks after Iran effectively closed the waterway to commercial shipping, the disruption is no longer a temporary blockade — Tehran threatened to build a permanent transit fee and vetting system that could reshape how fertilizer reaches global markets, with significant implications for food ingredient input costs.
EU Breakfast Directive: Cargill’s reformulation strategy for jam manufacturers to stay ahead
The revised EU Breakfast Directive is entering its final implementation phase, with full enforcement set for June 2026. What may appear to be a routine update to rules on honey, fruit juice, and jams is, in reality, a significant shift toward greater transparency and stricter product definitions. Cargill urged manufacturers to begin reformulation work now to get ahead of the curve.
