02/04/2026
A great few days at Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2026 ✨ 🎤 🌍
From ingredient innovation to evolving health claims, it was clear that innovation across food and drink is being shaped by a key theme: balance. Consumers aren’t choosing between indulgence and health anymore, they expect both.
A few standout observations from the show ⚡
🍬 Guilt-free indulgence is going mainstream
Brands like Neat Sweets are tapping into the demand for permissible treats, combining indulgence with natural ingredients, high fiber, and low sugar. The message is clear: consumers want to enjoy without compromise.
🍯 Functionality meets flavor and standout branding
Bee More caught attention with its bright, bold packaging and functional positioning. Ingredients like Manuka honey, vitamin B complex, and ginseng paired with fruity flavors show how energy and mood support are becoming more engaging and accessible.
🌱 Everyday wellness is getting a “superfood” upgrade
From cacao mushroom blends to spirulina and chlorella powders, Everyday Superfood reflects the growing interest in natural, nutrient-dense ingredients, especially those linked to gut health and holistic wellbeing.
Alongside the innovation on the show floor, it was great to see insights brought to life on stage:
🎤 Kate Kehoe, Marketing Manager at FMCG Gurus, explored how younger consumers are reshaping drinking habits, with moderation, wellbeing, and new social occasions driving demand for premium, alcohol alternatives.
🎤 Benjamin Campaniello, Analyst at FMCG Gurus, highlighted how digestive health, fiber, protein evolution, and even GLP-1 drugs are influencing the future of everyday nutrition.
Overall, the direction is clear:
Consumers are becoming more intentional, seeking products that deliver function, enjoyment, and value in equal measure.
Exciting times ahead for the industry.
