Simon Stenning has spent the last 18 years predicting the future of foodservice. His latest insights reveal an industry adapting fast to changing appetites, tighter wallets and a population that’s simultaneously more health-conscious and more indulgent than ever. Here’s what you need to know.
If you still think of Pinterest as the place for mood boards, DIY hacks, and dream home inspo, it’s time to shift your perspective. After joining the Pinterest Presents webinar, it’s obvious the platform is evolving fast, not just creatively, but commercially. Pinterest is stepping into a space where inspiration naturally becomes action, and where brands can reach people at the moment they’re making decisions about what to buy, wear, cook and try next.
At New Trade Media’s Partners in Success event, an insight was shared that immediately struck a chord with me. Their data confirmed something I’ve believed for 20+ years: <1% of convenience stores operate as true influencers in our sector.
As consumer lifestyles continue to evolve, one drinks trend has moved from niche wellness circles into the mainstream: CBD drinks.
Once found mainly in indie cafés and health-led concept stores, CBD beverages are now appearing in grocery chillers, workplace fridges, bars and premium hospitality settings. This shift shows a wider move towards mindful refreshment, functional ingredients and lifestyle-first wellbeing.
So what’s behind the rise of CBD drinks? And what can food & drink brands learn from the space?
Let’s just accept it. It’s a weird time to be alive.
It feels like only yesterday that I saw a man wearing a beekeeper’s mask and bright yellow marigolds while queuing at an off license. Was it really five years ago that Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby shared a tender embrace through a reinforced plastic shroud on live TV? Did Matt Hancock actually exist?
From Anti-Algorithm to the New Young, Mintel’s recent webinar on their consumer predictions for 2026 presented a slightly bleak outlook into our future as consumers.
It’s an era of digital mistrust and economic insecurity, but… what should brands be doing to connect?
I’ve summarised the three key trends Mintel are predicting for next year, and solutions to help brands tackle the challenges they’ll be faced with. Read More
If you still think in grocery aisles, Gen Z has already moved on.
Dentsu’s Generation Flex report, covered byThe Grocer this summer, shines a light on a generation that doesn’t see categories, only possibilities. For them, protein bars can be treats, bubble teas can be pick-me-ups and sustainability isn’t a choice – it’s a given.
Shopper marketing has always been about meeting people where they are. In 2025 that’s becoming more literal than ever. Smaller store formats, quick commerce and dark stores are reshaping the way we shop. For food and drink brands the battleground is no longer the aisle, it’s the last 100 metres before purchase.
As two avid Spurs fans, it was only right that Nick and I joined Arena’s latest sell-out ‘Behind the Scenes’ event at Tottenham Hotspur’s world-class stadium – a day that combined thought provoking talks with an insider tour of how elite venues are redefining hospitality.
After a morning packed with data and discussion at the Lumina Intelligence Q3 Food Strategy Forum, the afternoon was all about discovery. We swapped charts for cutlery and were whisked around Covent Garden on a Food Study Tour – a curated journey through some of London’s most exciting and innovative food and drink concepts.
Alvi and I had the pleasure of attending the Lumina Intelligence Q3 Food Strategy Forum, where industry experts shared the latest economic, consumer and innovation trends shaping the UK foodservice landscape. With perspectives ranging from macroeconomic pressures to Gen Z drinking habits, late-night dining to the future of school catering, the session offered plenty of food for thought. Here are our key takeouts…
Despite having now been out of the education system for (an undisclosed) number of years, there’s still something about September that feels like new beginnings. Summer drawing to a close, battling the school run on the commute, whispers of the C word; there’s a marked shift in the culture as autumn approaches and with it, the all-new opportunities and excitement that comes with a new term.
This week saw The Caffè Culture Show return to The Business Design Centre in Islington. So, we headed along to see what’s hot in the coffee shop market. It was little surprise to see a huge array of small coffee roasters along and associated coffee sundries like syrups, disposables, uniforms and more. Of course, matcha was a big focus – no surprises there!
If you work in food and drink marketing, you’ll know our industry is never still for long. But the upcoming ASA/Government restrictions on advertising Less Healthy Food and drink (LHF) products are a particularly big step change – one that’s going to require more than a tweak here and there.
The recent Reformulating for Healthy Indulgence webinar from Confectionery News brought together experts from across the food and confectionery world to explore how brands can meet consumer demand for treats that deliver on both indulgence and wellbeing.
There was a time when pickles were mostly relegated to a cheese and pickle sandwich, a Big Mac, or left untouched on a charcuterie board.
But today, pickles (particularly pickle flavour) have gone from a love/hate ingredient, to one of the most enduring and adaptable food trends of the last decade. What started as a novelty in crisps and snacks has infiltrated menus across the UK and world-wide and has solidified its presence in multiple territories and sectors. Read More
Walking the floor at ExCeL, it was impossible to ignore the sheer buzz around all things better-for-you. This year, health and function weren’t fringe topics, they were very much centre stage.
When you think of bootcamps, you’d be forgiven for thinking of a screaming sergeant major and a lot of mud, sweat and tears. But the bean team, have a different kind of bootcamp in mind – more seminars and talks from those leading in the world of social than burpees. On a sunny September morning, we headed up to Mayfair for a day with Brandwatch. From the world of disinformation, and LinkedIn trends, to a key trend of – the importance of narratives, whether they’re true or not.
In partnership with jellybean the iconic Italian tomato brand Mutti has transformed the historic Queen’s House in Greenwich into the stage for a one-of-a-kind immersive dining experience.
Code to Cuisine – AI, Creativity and the Future of Food – UCFF Session
This year’s festival was not just about tasting new flavours and catching up with familiar faces. On the Trends & Debates stage, things got lively as industry leaders explored the role of AI in foodservice. The discussion offered a fascinating look at how technology is shaping menus, kitchens and the guest experience – with a certain amount of spirited debate along the way.
