All articles by Pola Lem
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Category Report
Whipped 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
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Comment & Opinion
Flora’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
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Comment & Opinion
Why 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
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Category Report
Pizza 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?
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Comment & Opinion
UPF 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
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Comment & Opinion
Could buckwheat be the next ancient grain to break into the mainstream?
Shoppers are open to trying the nutty seed, Mintel data suggests
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Category Report
Infant & 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?
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Analysis & Features
Who 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
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News
Avocado 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
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Comment & Opinion
We’re not yet at peak premium lager, but we’re getting close
Can Spanish lager Cruzcampo capture British hearts?
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Analysis & Features
Spring 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
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News
Fmcg 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
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Category Report
Healthier 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
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Category Report
Soft 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?
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Comment & Opinion
Why 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
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Comment & Opinion
Aldi’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
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News
Suncare sales boosted by hot weather and Superdrug price cuts
Bucking the volume decline in most skincare sectors, suncare grew 10.6% in 2023
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Interviews
Tony’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?
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Comment & Opinion
It’s time supermarkets go from basic to boss level Korean food
There’s nothing like some Seoul food, but are supermarkets getting it right?
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Category Report
Dairy 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