Retail & shopper insights

Cheese toasties have grown in popularity during 2023 as consumers sought out tastier meals that were easy to prepare. Image: Getty/LauriPatterson

Hybrid working is fuelling demand for cheese toasties

By Teodora Lyubomirova

British consumers persisted with dairy purchases during a turbulent 2023 despite price rises across many of the core categories, with cheese in particular remaining a dinner staple.

Has the plant-based trend peaked? GettyImages/ArtMarie

Has the plant-based trend peaked?

By Donna Eastlake

The plant-based trend has been on the up and up in recent years. But has it finally peaked and, if yes, can the plant-based industry do anything to prevent a decline?

Gut-health: Why this consumer trend is here to stay. GettyImages/Meeko Media

Gut health: Why this consumer trend is here to stay

By Donna Eastlake

Consumer appetite for gut-health friendly foods shows no signs of abating as understanding of its impact on overall health continues to grow. But how will this trend evolve and grow in the future?

Foodies are falling for luxury butters in a big way. GettyImages-carlosgaw

Foodies are falling for luxury butters in a big way

By Donna Eastlake

Whether you’re spreading it (generously) on a crumpet, making pastry for a pie or baking a cake, butter is a kitchen essential that’s loved by many. But this humble ingredient is having something of a luxury makeover and food lovers are flocking.

High-protein is projected to be the fastest growing segment within dairy yogurt this year, with a growth rate of 17.2%, according to Circana. Image: Getty/YelenaYemchuk

High-protein dairy is booming, but how 'healthy' is it?

By Teodora Lyubomirova

Danone has become the latest manufacturer to release a range of high-protein dairy products in the UK. But can high-protein yogurts - that typically contain thickeners, starches and sweeteners - really be considered ‘healthy’?

Younger generations appeared more willing to accept animal-free dairy alternatives, the study suggested. Image: Getty/Drazen Zigic

How keen are consumers on animal-free dairy? Not so much, research finds

By Teodora Lyubomirova

An experimental study on consumer perceptions found that European shoppers have little appetite for animal-free dairy alternatives, though positive associations with the products’ perceived environmental benefits can enable manufacturers and retailers...

Getty Images / bfk92

UK supermarkets match Danone’s Aptamil baby formula price cuts

By Olivia Brown

Following a recent investigation into soaring infant formula prices, global food company Danone has reduced the wholesale price of its Aptamil infant formula by 7%, and major UK retailers have passed the cost savings on to consumers.

GettyImages - market trends 2024 / Fasai Budkaew

FrieslandCampina reveals 2024 trends report

By Olivia Haslam

Key trends to watch in 2024 will include next-gen alt protein solutions, sustainability with substantiation, medicines for the mind and active ageing solutions.