The latest food and beverage industry news and trend analysis

Ready has expanded its retail footprint with a nationwide Target launch of its 15g protein bars. Recognised as a 2026 Bain & Company Insurgent Brand, Ready is scaling its functional snack portfolio.

HIPPEAS has launched Protein Crunch, a new pea-based puffed snack delivering 8g of plant protein per serving. Utilising avocado oil and a baked formulation, the range targets the functional salty snack market.

Quaker’s FIFA World Cup 2026 partnership serves as a launchpad for its functional protein products, utilising global sports IP to drive 22g protein innovations into mainstream rituals.

SnackPro utilises AI-powered image analysis and voice input to automate allergen detection, transitioning food safety from manual label-checking to a scalable, data-driven mobile health ritual.

365 Retail Markets’ acquisition of Cantaloupe merges telemetry and payments with smart-store software, scaling its infrastructure for 40,000+ new customers in the $86B vending and micro market sector.

Lunchables’ "Snackables" launches productise the shared charcuterie trend, utilising dual-compartment formats and high-affinity inclusions to target the 50% of Americans snacking 2-3 times daily.

Hidden Valley Ranch’s entry into refrigerated snacking leverages its brand equity via a Carl Buddig licensing deal, targeting the 70% of Americans seeking high-protein, zero-prep convenience.

The launch of Midera marks Middleby’s strategic shift to a pure-play model, consolidating 30+ brands into a technology-driven company ready for standalone growth and total-line innovation.