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Easter chocolate products using ChoViva by Planet-A-Foods.

Cocoa-free Easter eggs? How ChoViva meets rising demand for indulgent chocolate alternatives

Chocolate has long been a symbol of luxury and enjoyment at Easter, but cocoa supply volatility and consumer health demands are creating new opportunities for cocoa-free alternatives this year. Innovators like Planet A Foods, with its roasted sunflower seed and oat ingredient, are combining cost-effective and health-conscious indulgence, and expanding globally. Germany-based Planet A Foods aims to prove that “chocolatey indulgence does not have to be tied to the cocoa bean” with its ChoViva ingredient, as it spotlights its international Easter assortment. In the UK, Germany, and Australia, brands have launched Easter eggs with ChoViva. In France, Abtey Confiserie has also developed Easter eggs and hollow figures, such as Easter bunnies, with the ingredient.
woman checking food label in supermarket
Salt reduction reimagined: Crafting balanced, flavorful solutions for health-conscious consumers
The food industry is witnessing a significant shift in how salt reduction is approached. What once focused solely on lowering sodium content is now evolving into a broader and more sophisticated strategy centered around flavor optimization. With increasing pressure from health organizations, governments, and consumers, manufacturers are striving to create reduced-sodium products that don’t sacrifice taste, texture, or overall quality. This reformulation challenge has led to the development of innovative ingredients and technologies, particularly in fermentation and flavor enhancement, which allow for the creation of more balanced and complex flavor profiles.
mature woman reading milk bottle label in supermarket
Fonterra on why New Zealand’s grass-fed dairy standard is key to building consumer trust
The dairy industry is witnessing a rising demand for milk and dairy products from cows primarily fed on grass rather than grain-heavy diets, as consumer interest in transparency, regenerative agriculture, and minimally processed F&B grows. Amid heightened scrutiny around “grass-fed” claims, New Zealand uses a national standard to provide a clearer benchmark in a category consumers associate with health benefits, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.
Technical paper graphic showing green gummy candies with sugar coating, overlaid text “Givaudan Sense Colour Veriphyl® Greens – credible source, incredible colour”
Veriphyl® Greens: Credible source, incredible colour
Chlorophyll’s abundance in nature and vibrant green colour make it an ideal natural food colour. Extracted from edible sources and with a traceable supply chain, our Veriphyl® natural greens work well in a variety of applications. Download our Veriphyl® Greens white paper to learn more about these versatile and vibrant natural options.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Givaudan Sense Colour.
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Operating Through Uncertainty: Building Scalable Advantage in the Age of Ultra-Processed Foods
In this session, Innova Market Insights will share exclusive insights into consumer behavior, perceptions, and preferences around UPFs, as well as market insights and innovation opportunities within processed foods.      Frame & Flight will explore how leading manufacturers are responding by modernizing how product data flows across formulation, specifications, labeling, and compliance. Using connected digital workflows, teams can evaluate reformulation scenarios earlier, manage supplier change with confidence, and stay launch-ready — even as definitions, guidance, and expectations continue to evolve.      The result: less rework, faster decisions, and the ability to turn regulatory and nutritional uncertainty into a competitive advantage.    
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University of Oxford: Dr. Monika Zurek’s expert take on transforming global food systems
Dr. Monika Zurek, leader of the Food System Transformation Group at the University of Oxford, UK, discusses the urgent transformations needed for sustainable global food systems. Speaking at IFE Manufacturing 2026 in London, she shares insights on balancing climate adaptation, meeting growing food demand, and aligning with policy shifts. Dr. Zurek also highlights promising innovations that can drive food system sustainability and shape resilient business strategies.

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Why China’s poultry sector is turning to cage-free duck farming
Caged ducks.
While chicken welfare has dominated the cage-free discourse, ducks remain a conspicuous blind spot. Scientific evidence is clear, showing that caged conditions are deeply incompatible with duck biology. Despite playing a major role in China’s poultry sector and export markets, ducks have yet to see the same level of scrutiny or reform as traditional poultry, but that’s changing, as some industry players turn their attention to waterfowl as the next phase of animal welfare reform.
Easter chocolate innovation gets ambitious despite cocoa market challenges
Cadbury Creme Eggs and other Easter goodies on a grocery store shelf.
For a category built on tradition, Easter chocolate is evolving in new and dynamic ways. The familiar hollow egg remains, but it now sits alongside a growing mix of filled, layered, and hybrid formats, as well as multipacks and cross-category creations. Texture has become the defining driver of Easter innovation in 2026, with brands layering crunch, creaminess, and inclusions to deliver more complex, multi-sensory experiences.
Keurig Dr Pepper expands coffee portfolio with US$18B JDE Peet’s acquisition
Keurig Green Mountain Coffee single-serve K-Cups and coffee beans.
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has acquired world-leading coffee company JDE Peet’s in a reported US$18 billion all-cash deal, marking a major milestone in the company’s long-term growth agenda. The deal is expected to create opportunities for innovation across multiple product formats by combining the strengths of KDP’s Keurig business with JDE Peet’s portfolio of renowned coffee brands, with likely implications for food ingredient suppliers, beverage manufacturers, and market stakeholders. KDP’s focus is on creating value through product development and consumer-focused solutions. From single-serve pods to ready-to-drink beverages, suppliers of coffee ingredients, flavorings, and packaging solutions will need to meet the growing demand for diverse and sustainable coffee solutions, as consumer tastes evolve and demand for convenience and variety grows.
Fonterra’s strategic sale to Lactalis sets stage for B2B growth in dairy...
Fonterra office.
Fonterra Co-operative Group has completed the sale of its global consumer and associated businesses, including Mainland Group, to global dairy leader Lactalis. This divestment marks a significant milestone for Fonterra, enabling the company to sharpen its focus on core B2B dairy operations, while strengthening a key partnership with Lactalis that is expected to drive future growth in the dairy ingredients sector. The sale of Mainland to Lactalis strengthens the partnership between Fonterra and Lactalis by shifting their relationship from competition to collaboration. Fonterra will continue supplying high-quality dairy ingredients to Lactalis, solidifying a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.
IFE Manufacturing 2026 live: Functional drinks, GLP-1 and protein-forward...
trade show floor
IFE Manufacturing 2026 is underway in London, UK (Mar 30–Apr 1), showcasing product innovations in functional beverages, healthier snacks, premium indulgence, and global flavors. The three-day event aims to offer a clear view of the F&B industry’s current direction as companies respond to consumer demand for clean label, reduced sugar, and convenient formats.
Why collagen faces scrutiny and how suppliers build consumer trust
woman in pharmacy wondering what product to buy

Nutrition Insight

Collagen innovation is evolving rapidly, along with consumer questions about the efficacy of these products. Various collagen types and peptides are mentioned on product labels, leaving consumers to navigate a complex field of ingredients that may raise distrust. Nutrition Insight speaks with BioCell Technology, Bioiberica, Gelita, and Lonza Capsugel to discuss the reasons behind consumer scrutiny of collagen supplements and how they ensure their products meet expectations and high regulatory standards.
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Person injecting weight loss medication into their stomach.
Food Ingredients News
How GLP-1 weight loss drugs are shaping the future of...
Economists at ING have released a new report on the expected impact appetite-suppressing weight loss medications will have on European food demand. The insights reveal how much GLP-1 drugs will influence and reshape the industry in the years to come. GLP-1 drugs are widely discussed as potentially transformative for food consumption, but their near-term impact in 2026 is minimal, says ING. Even though users typically reduce calorie intake by 15–20%, low adoption rates (nearly 2% of European adults and 12% of Americans) mean total food demand is only reduced by about 0.25%, which the bank suggests isn’t yet a major concern for F&B companies.
Food Ingredients First March Review.
Food Ingredients News
March in review: Global fertilizer crisis, Unilever food...
In March 2026, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Israel strikes on Iran evolved into a prolonged supply chain crisis. Fertilizer flows are under threat, driving knock-on effects for food ingredients, while Iran’s plans for a permanent transit control system could further increase global input costs. Unilever received a takeover approach from McCormick for its food division. Pernod Ricard revealed discussions to merge with Brown-Forman in a potential deal that would create a global spirits leader.
Chef making jam from real fruit.
Food Ingredients News
EU Breakfast Directive: Cargill’s reformulation strategy...
The revised EU Breakfast Directive is entering its final implementation phase, with full enforcement set for June 2026. What may appear to be a routine update to rules on honey, fruit juice, and jams is, in reality, a significant shift toward greater transparency, stricter product definitions, and enhanced consumer protection.

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Salt Reduction Strategies: Meeting consumer demand for healthier indulgenceApr2026

According to Innova Market Insights, global consumers increasingly view reduced-salt claims as a vital element in making indulgent foods healthier and supporting healthy aging. This consumer shift is ...

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Product innovation

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Pioneering protein innovation: Emerging trends and global launches Apr 2026

According to Innova Market Insights, 57% of consumers globally are actively seeking to increase their protein intake. In recent years, F&B product launches featuring protein ingredients has risen steadily. A variety of protein types are gaining traction, including milk protein crisp, yeast protein, cranberry protein, soy protein crisp, and tofu protein.

Trend analysis

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Healthy beverage trends: A growing market for functional drinksApr 2026

Innova Market Insights has identified “Beverages with Purpose” as one of the top F&B trends for 2026. Consumers worldwide are increasingly prioritizing health-conscious beverages, driven by growing industry support and innovation. This shift is accelerating the demand for functional drinks, with protein and biotic benefits leading the charge as key trends in healthy beverage development.

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Video12:59
University of Oxford: Dr. Monika Zurek’s expert take on transforming global food systems

Dr. Monika Zurek, leader of the Food System Transformation Group at the University of Oxford, UK, discusses the urgent transformations needed for sustainable global food systems. Speaking at IFE Manufacturing 2026 in London, she shares insights on balancing climate adaptation, meeting growing...

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IFE Manufacturing 2026: Inside Angel Yeast’s Clear Yeast Protein for functional beverages
IFE Manufacturing2026 Atura Proteins video thumbnail: Trade show booth with ATURA branding, attendees networking around a display counter, and inset portrait of a man wearing an ATURA shirt
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IFE Manufacturing 2026 live: Atura unlocks high-protein products with chickpea, fava bean, and red lentil flours
Philip Durham, Atlante, UK Expansion, Private Label, IFE Manufacturing 2026, AMBO, Mister Potato, Food Industry, Retail Strategy, Brand Partnerships, Italy Harvest 2025, Year Of Abundance, FMCG, Busin
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IFE Manufacturing 2026 live: Atlante’s private label evolution and UK expansion strategy
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