Innovation
Craft beer enters a new era
The 'cult-like' fervor for craft beer, heavy flavors, and the hazy IPA trend have clearly receded, and the industry is entering a 'new normal': consolidating core foundational products while retaining signature bold flavors. In 2025, craft beer output declined by 4%, with 60% of breweries experiencing negative growth. Younger consumers are leaning toward RTD cocktails or feeling confused by complex flavors. Breweries are returning to classic styles, expanding into emerging categories such as non-alcoholic beer and THC beverages, while simultaneously strengthening the value of 'experience.'
Leftovers: Pringles introduces thicker chips | Pop-Tarts gets buzzed with BuzzBallz
This edition of 'Leftovers' focuses on three new products: Pringles Dippers thicker chips, Pop-Tarts and BuzzBallz collaborative alcoholic drinks, and Dr. Bombay's Snoopsicles sorbet popsicles.
Trix maker General Mills removes synthetic dyes from US cereals
General Mills announced that its cereal breakfast products in the US market have all removed artificial colors. The company had set a goal to complete this change before summer, just five months after its K-12 school food de-coloring initiative. Currently, 10% of its US retail product portfolio has not yet completed the transformation, and the company plans to complete all de-coloring efforts by the end of 2027.
How Oreo’s endless flavor innovations help keep it on top
Oreo continues to lead the global biscuit market with dozens of unique flavors and cross-industry collaborations. Its parent company, Mondelez International, generates annual revenue of $38 billion, with Oreo contributing over $4 billion. Based on an exclusive interview with Oreo's Senior Director of Innovation, this article reveals its flavor development logic and future expansion directions.
Gopuff expands private label, debuts first-ever seasonal product lineup
Gopuff announced this week the expansion of its private label product portfolio, launching its first limited-time seasonal product line, with new items added under the Crave Shoppe and Basically brands, including fall-flavored baked goods and non-seasonal snacks. This move continues the common strategy in the convenience store industry of launching fall-exclusive products in late summer.
Leftovers: Reese’s Puffs spoons up PB&J cereal | Little Bites debuts mystery muffins
This industry update highlights three new products: Reese's Puffs introduces a peanut butter and jelly flavored cereal, Little Bites launches a mystery flavor naming contest, and 7 Brew coffee chain debuts its first canned products at Walmart.
Kraft Heinz Focuses on Innovation to Address Consumers' 'Unmet' Dietary Needs
Facing consumers' growing interest in health, clean labels, and functional foods, Kraft Heinz is accelerating its core brand innovation strategy. The company recently launched several new products targeting specific dietary needs, including lactose-free Philadelphia cream cheese, gluten-free Velveeta, and plant-based Kraft macaroni and cheese. Company executives stated that they will actively respond to market trends and fill consumers' unmet needs. Despite challenges from declining organic sales, the company plans to increase investment with the aim of restoring growth by 2027.
Five Overlooked Factors That Can Derail Food and Beverage Facility Expansion
Facility expansion rarely fails in one dramatic moment; it fails through dozens of small decisions that quietly remove future options. This article highlights five often-overlooked areas—wastewater, centralized thermal utilities, egress and fire-rated walls, stormwater, and dock loading positions—that can become costly constraints if not addressed early. Insights from Dennis Group experts Jacqueline Kull, Trent Moore, and Chris Siart underscore the importance of proactive design.
Khloud Adds Collagen to Protein Chips; Hershey Expands Halloween Beyond Candy
This week's product roundup covers Khloud's collagen protein chips, Hershey's salty snack expansion for Halloween, and McCain's sauce-filled frozen snacks.
5 New Snack Launches Tapping Into the Hottest C-Store Trends
Convenience store snack aisles are evolving rapidly as consumer preferences shift. This roundup highlights five recent product launches—Slim Jim Cheese Mode, Angie's Boomchickapop Mango Habanero popcorn, Haribo Sour Sodas, Hippeas Protein Crunch, and Ghirardelli Dubai-style chocolate—each targeting a key trend: high protein, 'swicy' flavors, sour candy, plant-based options, and Dubai chocolate. Backed by market data and expert insights, these items represent strategic responses to shopper demand.