Introducing the C-Influencer: The New (But Not New) Force for Good in Convenience Retail
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.
2026 Global Consumer Predictions
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.
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Generation Flex: How Gen Z is reshaping shopper marketing strategy
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.
Hyperlocal shopper marketing: winning the last 100 metres
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.
Mutti Brings Italy to London with a ‘Deceptively Simple’ Immersive Dining Experience at the Queen’s House, Greenwich
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.
Unlocking success for brands in convenience: key insights from the ACS local shop report 2025
At Jellybean, we have a deep admiration for this channel – we know its highs, its challenges, and the vital role it plays in communities. Local shops aren’t just stores; they’re hubs where people connect, shop, and live their daily lives. By understanding retailers, shoppers, and their everyday missions, we help brands and retailers grow and succeed – together.
We’ve Bean Celebrating This Award Season!
jellybean is thrilled to celebrate an award season like no other!
We have been recognised by not one, but three award bodies in recent months, including the prestigious Drum Awards for Marketing (finalist), World Food Innovation Awards 2025 (winner) and Foodservice Packaging Association Awards (winner). These global and UK programmes acknowledge excellence and innovation in marketing, the food & drink industry, as well as the packaging sector.
Understanding British Consumer Trends 2025
I recently sat in on a Mintel webinar looking at the financial mindset and spending trends of British consumers over the last few years.
Set against the rather bleak context of a struggling economy, inflation remains stubborn, not quite dropping to the Bank of England’s 2% target. Whereas most consumers were once confident with their financial status – partly due to Covid-19 as opportunities to spend declined, today’s environment sees the majority of Brits either ‘getting by’ or feeling the pinch. It’s not all doom and gloom though, as these results are an improvement on 2024, but consumers are exercising caution.
The Ultimate Guide to UK Food Festivals
Calling all food lovers! If you, like us, enjoy top-notch street food, celebrity chef demos and live music, food festivals are a must-visit.
The UK has endless opportunities for food lovers to get out and about and experience a diverse range of cuisines, with everything from gourmet dining to sizzling street food on offer across the country. Whether you’re into Michelin-starred cuisine, BBQ feasts or artisan delicacies, there’s a festival for every palate. Here are a few you might like to sample in the coming months…
HFSS: What is it, and what’s changing?
HFSS has been hitting the news a lot recently. Journalists, government advisors, food and drink brands, as well as health officials have all joined in the conversation, but with so much chatter, are you clear on what is going on?
Below, we’ve prepared a small* summary on what HFSS is, what laws are coming in and who they might affect.
Make it Mutti… and Make it Award-Winning!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Make It Mutti Immersive Dining Experience has been crowned Best Marketing Campaign at the World Food Innovation Awards 2025! Recognised for its bold creativity and immersive storytelling, the activity has set a new benchmark for brand activation in the food industry.
Tesco’s AI – a nudge in the right direction or a nudge too far?
I was recently featured in an article by grocery industry bible The Grocer on the hot topic of Tesco’s Club Card AI. Tesco CEO Ken Murphy recently said artificial intelligence could be used to monitor how customers were shopping to help persuade them towards healthier choices. He said: “I can see it nudging you over time, saying: ‘I’ve noticed over time in your shopping basket that your sodium salt content is 250% of your daily recommended allowance.”
From Boo to Boom: This Year’s Halloween Brand Collaborations
Halloween 2024 is fast approaching, and so is the surge of creative brand collaborations in the food and drink sector. This year, even the most traditional brands are stepping out of their comfort zone and teaming up with partners to deliver innovative, attention-grabbing products and campaigns. Whether it’s an unexpected flavour twist, or quirky, cross-industry partnerships (think sausage roll socks by Greggs and Primark), these collaborations are letting brands tap into each other’s audiences while generating buzz and excitement through limited-edition, themed offerings.
‘Make it Mutti’ Reaches New Heights with an Immersive Tomato Dining Experience at Saatchi Gallery
This month, we have brought our latest client campaign platform Make it Mutti to life in an extraordinary way, staging a 3-night immersive dining experience at the Saatchi Gallery, London (17-19 September 2024). This unique event, took invited guests on a culinary journey through the life cycle of the tomato, combining incredible food, technology, and multi-sensory storytelling in a celebration of the tomato and Mutti’s heritage and values.
Who Made the Cut? We Reveal our Top 25 Food & Drink Influencers!
This summer jellybean is excited to launch our first Top 25 Food and Drink Influencers Report. The report highlights the rising stars across the food and drink scene from cooking at home and eating out, to vegan, drinks, and chef influencers.
To Infinity Loop Marketing and Beyond the Sales Funnel
Credit to Infrared – Image licensed under Creative Commons
The traditional sales funnel marketing model is giving way to more sophisticated marketing approaches that prioritise integrated customer journeys and long-term relationships over one-time transactions. We’ve entered the age of the “Infinity Loop.” As a leading food and drink marketing agency we always ensure we are on top of trends be they food and drink or marketing theory.
April Fool’s – The Good, The Bad, The Ones we Want to Try
It’s that time of year when you log onto Instagram and your feed is flooded with the latest NPD food and drink the world has to offer… but all is not as it seems.
We’ve collated some of our favourite April Fool’s pranks we saw this year – and honestly, some aren’t too bad!
The Rise of DGAF Marketing
Anti-marketing is seemingly on the up once more, with Oatly, Surreal and Days all leaning into, whilst simultaneously calling out, traditional marketing methods. Although outwardly work-shy in approach, this tactic is entirely well-thought-out and speaks to increasingly savvy consumers in a relatable, funny and memorable way. It seems the subtle art of not giving a f***, actually includes giving many f***s, and could be paving the way for a new type of tongue-in-cheek advertising.
Top 10 London restaurants to wine & dine your Valentine
Wondering where to take your Valentine’s? Well, being both an avid foodie and a Londoner, I have the insiders track to the top London restaurants for your date. Most options are slightly off the beaten track and dare I say it… better than the typical hot spots in central London that will no doubt be bustling with other lovestruck couples.
