East and South-East Asian cuisine is experiencing a massive surge in the UK, even overtaking traditional British food in the frozen ready meals category with a 22% year-on-year growth in 2025. To help you stay ahead of the curve, the FNBX Insight Lab has distilled the key takeaways from the itsu [grocery] 2026 trend report, exploring the cultural shifts, flavour mashups, and consumer habits set to define the year ahead. Report Unpacking the itsu [grocery] 2026 Trend Report East and South-East Asian cuisine is experiencing a massive surge in the UK, even overtaking traditional British food in the frozen ready meals category with a 22% year-on-year growth in 2025. To help you stay ahead of the curve, the FNBX Insight Lab has distilled the key takeaways from the itsu [grocery] 2026 trend report, exploring the cultural shifts, flavour mashups, and consumer habits set to define the year ahead. March 12, 2026 Go Overview Report Opportunities Suppliers Related News 1. The Clean Label Pushback & Mindful Eating Consumers are increasingly critical of what goes into their food, signalling a fundamental shift in buying habits. As of October 2025, half of global consumers are actively attempting to avoid ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Shoppers are favoring wholefoods that offer long-lasting fullness and mindful eating experiences. In response, food brands are adopting "clean labels" by increasing packaging transparency and actively reformulating products to remove ultra-processed ingredients. 2. Next-Level Convenience & Functional Ingredients Convenience has evolved past simply microwaving a ready meal; today's consumers expect their food to work harder for their overall well-being. Shoppers are seeking out foods that offer functional benefits like aiding digestion, improving sleep, and reducing stress. Asian-inspired wellness ingredients—such as lion's mane mushroom for cognitive support, ashwagandha for stress reduction, and matcha for relaxation—are going mainstream. Expect to see these functional ingredients break out of the snacking and drinks aisles and make their way into categories like frozen foods and ready meals. 3. Shortcut Scratch Cooking Spontaneous home cooking is on the rise, but consumers still want modern conveniences to make the process easier. Rather than strict recipe following, people are utilising cupboard staples like ready-to-cook pastes and seasonings to quickly build flavour profiles. Flavour boosters are seeing massive growth, with Tom Yum paste growing by 185% and Nasi Goreng paste growing by 97% year-on-year. By 2026, expect fusion-focused pastes to dominate the stock aisle, featuring combinations like black garlic & tamarind, or yuzu & Sichuan pepper. 4. Flavour Remixes & Regional Spotlight The UK's palate is expanding, embracing bold, unexpected taste combinations and regional specialities from across East and South-East Asia. A New Flavour Dictionary: Get ready for mashups like "Swalty" (sweet & salty), "Spour" (spicy & sour), "Swicy" (sweet & spicy), and "Swavoury" (sweet & savoury). Japan: Japanese bakery trends are moving beyond shokupan to include savoury nori butter buns, yuzu kosho cream cheese bagels, and miso-maple glazes. Indonesia: Casual indulgence is rising through street-food formats like crispy tempeh bites, sambal-filled buns, and sweet-savoury martabak. Philippines: Global fusion is being inspired by the country's love for sweet and savoury combos, resulting in dishes like ube croissants and longganisa sliders. Malaysia & Singapore: Classic hawker dishes are getting elevated, with laksa being reimagined into infused noodles and dipping broths, and kaya toast being reworked into fine dining desserts. 5. Intentional Dining Experiences Asian food culture isn't just changing what the UK eats; it is actively reshaping how the UK dines. * Solo Dining: Originating in Japan, solo ramen booths allow diners to order and eat with zero interaction, catering to younger consumers who view solitary, mindful eating as a form of self-care. Omakase: Meaning "I'll leave it up to you," this Japanese dining style is driving a shift toward chef-led craftsmanship and highly personalised, multi-course tasting menus. Overview Content Opportunities Suppliers Latest news

Carlsberg Britvic has extended its J2O portfolio with a new "Sparkling" range and a 330ml can format for its core still variants, targeting the high-growth alcohol-free social category and "on-the-go" consumption among younger demographics. J2O, the leading social soft drink brand under the Carlsberg Britvic joint venture, has announced a significant expansion of its portfolio with the launch of "J2O Sparkling." The new range represents a strategic move to provide a carbonated, premium alternative to its traditional still offerings, specifically designed for social and "low-tempo" occasions. The launch is timed to capitalise on the sustained demand for sophisticated alcohol-free alternatives. By introducing a sparkling format, J2O is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the "evening-in" and "get-together" markets where consumers seek complex flavour profiles without alcohol content. Product Range and Flavour Profiles The J2O Sparkling range debuts with two flavour combinations that mirror the brand's reputation for fruit-led complexity: Apple & Raspberry Sparkling: A crisp, carbonated twist on a classic pairing. Apple & Mango Sparkling: Targeting tropical flavour trends with a refreshing fizz. In addition to the new sparkling line, the brand is updating its core "still" portfolio. The flagship Orange & Passion Fruit variant will now be available in a 330ml single can format, bringing the brand’s top-selling flavour into a more portable, on-the-go packaging style. Format Innovation and Shopping Mission Alignment A primary driver of this launch is the transition to 330ml cans, a format that supports various retail "missions." Carly Sims, Socialising Brand Director at Carlsberg Britvic, noted that the introduction of both single cans and multipacks allows the brand to tap into different consumer behaviours, ranging from "impulse top-ups" to "planned weekly shops." Key operational benefits of the new format include: Meal Deal Integration: The 330ml single can is optimised for the competitive "meal deal" and lunch-on-the-go sectors. Premium Positioning: The "Sparkling" designation and updated packaging aesthetics are intended to encourage shoppers to "trade up" for social events. Occasion Versatility: Designed to serve both as a standalone refreshment and a premium mixer for home consumption. Distribution and Retail Strategy The J2O Sparkling range and the new 330ml still cans are scheduled for a nationwide rollout beginning in March 2026. To ensure a comprehensive market presence, Carlsberg Britvic has secured placements across three primary channels: Grocery Multiples: Focusing on multipacks for home social occasions. Convenience: Targeting impulse buys and meal-deal pairings. Wholesale: Supporting licensed venues and independent retailers. The single 330ml cans will carry a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of £1.75. Furthermore, J2O is expanding the distribution of its 10x250ml multipacks (Orange & Passion Fruit and Apple & Raspberry) to further solidify its volume presence in the large-format grocery aisle. Industrial Significance and Market Outlook For B2B stakeholders, the launch of J2O Sparkling signals a move to professionalise the "alcohol-free social" sub-category. As younger consumers increasingly lead the "moderation" trend, brands like J2O must innovate beyond traditional still formats to maintain relevance in social environments. By integrating its most successful flavour profiles into a sparkling, can-based architecture, Carlsberg Britvic is creating a bridge between traditional soft drinks and the emerging "adult sparkling" sector. The success of this range will likely serve as a benchmark for how heritage fruit drink brands can pivot toward the high-value, "permissible indulgence" market during evening and weekend consumption windows. The Newsroom New Products Carlsberg Britvic Launches J2O Sparkling Range in Cans Eddie Sanders April 1, 2026 Soft drinks New Fanta Crimson Sour Cherry Debuts in Collaboration with Xbox New Products Schweppes Launches Cherry Pepper Soda to Drive Mixer Premiumisation Soft drinks Coca-Cola Relaunches Zero Caffeine Zero Sugar in UK New Products Lipton Hard Iced Tea Expands Portfolio with Zero Sugar Launch New Products Beverage Soft drinks Packaging Related news

From February 10-13, 2026, the largest organic food trade fair will once again open its doors at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre and bring together exhibitors and visitors from the entire organic and natural cosmetics sector, with regional, national and international stakeholders. Close Close BioFach Trade Show About Detail Visitors Discussion My Agenda 🔒 Create a free FNBX account to: 📌 Save events and build your personal agenda 🤝 See who else is attending each event There are currently no FNBX members set as attending this event. First PREV 1 Page 1 NEXT Last 10 -13 February 2026 90 Nuremberg, Germany Organised by: Visit organisers website From February 10-13, 2026, the largest organic food trade fair will once again open its doors at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre and bring together exhibitors and visitors from the entire organic and natural cosmetics sector, with regional, national and international stakeholders. . --- Set as attending comments debug Discussion Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Vitafoods India is a dedicated event for the nutraceutical, functional food & beverage, and dietary supplement industries. Discover cutting-edge innovations, connect with industry leaders and gain valuable insights. Close Close Vitafoods India Trade Show About Detail Visitors Discussion Discover the latest nutraceutical innovations and trends Build new partnerships and grow your business Connect with industry leaders and experts Showcase your thought leadership to the most relevant audience Innovation Zone An unmissable opportunity for exhibitors & visitors to experience the latest breakthroughs and innovations in the nutraceutical industry. Global Trends Zone Learn about emerging trends and developments across global nutraceutical industry through dedicated displays. Tasting Zone Discover and sample the latest functional foods and beverages with info cards and QR codes plus learn all about their benefits! Conference Themes Explore the science shaping future nutrition trends. From Personalised Nutrition & AI Integration to Women-Centric Nutrition, Microbiome & Gut Health Evolution, and more. My Agenda 🔒 Create a free FNBX account to: 📌 Save events and build your personal agenda 🤝 See who else is attending each event There are currently no FNBX members set as attending this event. First PREV 1 Page 1 NEXT Last 11 - 13 February 2026 Mumbai, MH, India Organised by: Informa Visit organisers website Vitafoods India is a dedicated event for the nutraceutical, functional food & beverage, and dietary supplement industries. Discover cutting-edge innovations, connect with industry leaders and gain valuable insights. . --- Set as attending comments debug Discussion Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

You’re reading a free preview of The Newsroom 📰 ✅ Get full access to The Newsroom — your personalised F&B feed with curated insights, company updates, and announcements. + access to the full app collection from FNBX 👉 Join for Free 👋 Log in Subscribe to weekly updates Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit The Newsroom Trends Trends October 14, 2025 Is Ashwagandha a Vital Ingredient for Your Next Formulation? Ashwagandha, a traditional Ayurvedic herb long valued for its adaptogenic properties, is rapidly gaining commercial momentum across the global food, beverage, and wellness industries. Once confined primarily to herbal supplements, the ingredient is now finding new life in everything from functional beverages to sports nutrition, skincare, and beyond. First PREV 1 Page 1 NEXT Last

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Go Trend Exciting Flavours 'Intense flavour' is driving consumer spending up by 53.4% YoY across baking, snacks, and condiments (Tastewise). Overview Opportunities Suppliers Latest news Reports Top Story ... Loading... ... Company Supplier Title Description Learn more

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The global functional food and beverage market has been valued at over $281bn (€242bn) and is forecast hit half a trillion by 2028, according to stats specialists Statista. Go Trend Functional food and drinks Consumer demand for functional foods and beverages is off the charts. From confectionery to coffee, the functional trend is large and in charge. The market has been valued at over $281bn (€242bn) and is forecast hit half a trillion by 2028, according to stats specialists Statista. Overview Opportunities Suppliers Latest news Reports Top Story ... Loading... ... NutriHarvest Ingredients Ltd. Supplier Premium Nut Ingredients for High-Protein Food Innovation NutriHarvest Ingredients specialises in sustainably sourced almonds, peanuts, and cashews tailored for use in protein bars, plant-based snacks, and fortified beverages. Our cold-pressed processing ensures superior flavour retention, clean-label formulation, and optimal protein integrity — helping brands create nutritious products consumers love. Learn more Supplier BioTaste Solutions Flavor science with functional integrity Flavor systems specifically formulated for high-protein and high-fiber matrices Sugar-reduction and mouthfeel-enhancement platforms (plant-based fat mimetics) Sensory mapping & consumer acceptance testing (remote panels) Clean-label masking agents (natural polymers & botanical modulators) Service NutriEdge Strategies Ltd. Brand & Growth Strategy for Functional Food Innovators NutriEdge Strategies partners with emerging and established functional food and beverage brands to accelerate market traction through data-driven storytelling, regulatory-savvy positioning, and strategic brand execution. Technology ProcessPulse Technologies Intelligent processing for consistent functional performance Engineering and automation firm that supplies modular process equipment and software specifically tuned for functional ingredient integrity (low-heat drying, precision dosing, aseptic blending). Supplier VitalForge Labs Engineered ingredients for smarter nutrition NeuroFuse™ Powder — low-acid, heat-stable cognitive blend for RTD beverages GutShield™ Microcapsules — shelf-stable probiotic delivery for bars/snacks