Pola Lem
Pola is The Grocer’s trends editor. She manages our weekly Focus On reports explaining the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind shifting currents in what we eat and drink.
Before jumping into retail journalism in January 2024, Pola worked for Times Higher Education, where she was was Asia reporter and co-editor of THE’s global university rankings supplement – a gig that offered plenty of opportunities for fantastic meals in the Far East.
Since graduating from Columbia University’s journalism school in 2015, Pola has lived in Japan and rural Alaska, covered the US senate, and written about satellite imagery for Nasa.
She has a weakness for biang biang noodles with chilli oil.
Contact info
- Tel:
- 01293 846505
- Email:
- pola.lem@thegrocer.co.uk
Category ReportWhipped right up: Dairymen continental cheese category report 2024
A TikTok trend for whipped feta has seen it roll into the supermarkets. Mediterranean and served-hot cheese are also having moments
Comment & OpinionFlora’s Smoked Garlic line takes flavoured butters into the mainstream
As the third largest player in the butters and spreads category, Flora’s entry into flavoured lines is a milestone
Comment & OpinionWhy Lidl’s breakfast challenge to Greggs is a smart move
By pitching itself as a cheaper alternative to the king of breakfast – and one that competes on price – Lidl may just be on to a winning formula
Category ReportPizza trends 2024: A slice for everyone
Pizza volumes are flagging, so brands are broadening their styles and toppings. Will this commitment to innovation boost sales?
Comment & OpinionUPF tax may have consumer support, but it’s riddled with pitfalls
The proposed tax on ultra-processed foods throws up several potential problems, including a lack of definition
Comment & OpinionCould buckwheat be the next ancient grain to break into the mainstream?
Shoppers are open to trying the nutty seed, Mintel data suggests
Category ReportInfant & childcare trends 2024: growing baby
As concerns over sugar content mount and parents become ever more price-conscious, how can babyfood continue to grow sales?
Analysis & FeaturesWho gives a crap about a brand name?
From Liquid Death to Düng, today’s challenger brands are defying conventional naming conventions. And while not without risk, the rewards can be great
NewsAvocado volumes rise 17%, as industry body says ‘room for growth’
It is the fastest rising fruit for volume sales over the past year, according to NIQ data
Comment & OpinionWe’re not yet at peak premium lager, but we’re getting close
Can Spanish lager Cruzcampo capture British hearts?
Analysis & FeaturesSpring is on the shelves: what was new in May 2024
Each month, we highlight new and interesting products, displays and features our team has snapped in the leading grocers
NewsFmcg brands doubt they can cut out plastic packaging in five years
Industry representatives at Rethinking Materials summit sceptical over five-year elimination of plastic packaging
Category ReportHealthier snacking trends 2024: What nuts and seeds needs
Whitworths is lobbying the government to add dried fruit, nuts & seeds to 5 a day guidance but consumer education is also needed
Category ReportSoft drinks trends 2024: Soda’s new stars
Soft drinks aisles are increasingly crowded, as a host of smaller brands jostle for space. Who are the challengers?
Comment & OpinionWhy small-time kelp is making UK food and drink gains
New AI data shows the use of seaweed in NPD food and drink launches is on the up
Comment & OpinionAldi’s Next Big Thing: engaging insight into product pitch process
Some interesting small brands pitched, all facing the prospect of scaling fast and reducing prices on their premium products
NewsSuncare sales boosted by hot weather and Superdrug price cuts
Bucking the volume decline in most skincare sectors, suncare grew 10.6% in 2023
InterviewsTony’s supply chain guru on changing chocolate sourcing for good
To fight child exploitation, Tony’s Chocolonely open chain lead Joke Aerts wants to apply its five sourcing principles at scale. How is she going about the task?
Comment & OpinionIt’s time supermarkets go from basic to boss level Korean food
There’s nothing like some Seoul food, but are supermarkets getting it right?
Category ReportDairy drinks trends 2024: All aboard the kefir train
As volumes of flavoured milks lose steam, drinkable yoghurt is chugging ahead – and brands expect to pick up even more speed