Jumex announced that its functional hydration beverage, Hydrolit +Advance, has been recognised as a 2026 Product of the Year USA Award Winner in the Hydration category, as voted on by 40,000 American shoppers in the US in partnership with Kantar. Renowned as a globally established seal of approval, Product of the Year is the largest consumer-voted awards program centered around product innovation.

Jumex created Hydrolit +Advance to meet the growing consumer demand for a high-performance hydration beverage that goes beyond basic rehydration. Unlike many mainstream sports drinks, Hydrolit +Advance includes choline to support cognitive performance and mental focus. The enhanced formulation positions Hydrolit +Advance within the fast-growing functional hydration segment, offering retailers a differentiated option in a competitive set.

Hydrolit +Advance contains five essential ions, including sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, to restore hydration balance, B Vitamins (B3, B6, B12) to support energy metabolism and overall wellness, and natural caffeine to provide clean, focused energy without a heavy crash. Available in four flavours, including Mango, Fruit Punch, Orange, and Berries, Hydrolit +Advance combines flavour-forward innovation with functional credibility. It is designed to replenish what the body loses through sweat, stress, and everyday activity, supporting active lifestyles, busy schedules, and daily hydration needs.

From cherry to chai spice, Tastepoint’s trend experts reveal ten flavors poised to stand out this year.

Tastepoint by IFF, a leader in innovative flavour creations and taste solutions, has identified ten flavours expected to shape the North American food and beverage landscape in 2026. These predictions spotlight flavours anticipated to trend in retail, food service and beyond throughout the coming year.

“To continue delivering product development solutions that meet consumers’ unique and changing needs, we stay attuned to industry and market trends, keeping a pulse on what’s relevant now and in the future,” said Nicole Potash, Tastepoint general manager. “Our annual flavor trend predictions reflect a vibrant mix of influences, from nostalgia driven classics to global favorites gaining momentum in the US, as well as bold new combinations. We hope this year’s list provides brands with valuable insights and fresh inspiration to create products that excite the senses and spark imagination.”

At the intersection of science and creativity, Tastepoint draws on decades of experience to guide brands in developing trend-driven food and beverage products that ignite inspiration and delight consumer palates.

Each year, Tastepoint forecasts ten flavour trends based on data-driven market analysis, food service menu tracking, social listening and changes in consumer behaviour. The 2026 list offers insights across categories including confectionery, beverages, dairy, culinary, snacks and bakery. It reflects key trend movements such as nostalgia and better-for-you and identifies global flavours expected to gain traction in North America.

The top 10 flavours to watch in 2026 are:

• Mandarin: Already popular in juices and sparkling beverages, this citrus favourite is poised to expand into cocktails, coffee, frozen novelties, salad dressings and sauces.
• Cherry: The sweet and tart flavour of cherry delivers a powerful sense of nostalgia and is expected to lead the way in new beverage launches and appear in snack bars and mixes, confectionery, and dairy applications.
• Sweet Corn: Historically a staple dish worldwide, sweet corn is seeing renewed interest. Driven by the popularity of Mexican street corn, or Elote, and other global favourites, its versatility continues to expand.
• French Onion Soup: A timeless comfort food, its deep, savory profile is projected to move into new menu applications.
• Cola: With its iconic flavour profile currently experiencing a resurgence, cola is expected to move beyond beverages and into unexpected categories such as ice cream and bakery.
• Limoncello: As consumers seek authentic, premium experiences, this quintessential Italian liqueur is expected to influence new categories, from baked goods to ready-to-drink teas and coffees.
• Sweet Heat: Often known as “swicy”, the crave-worthy combination of sweet and spicy flavours is gaining traction, expanding beyond culinary and snacks, into ice cream, cocktails and beyond.
• Pancake: This comforting, sweet flavour is predicted to break free from breakfast and appear in a wide range of new formats fit for scoop shops or late-night snacks.
• Tiramisu: Offering a decadent, layered flavour experience, tiramisu-inspired products are well positioned to appear in categories beyond the bakery space.
• Chai Spice: With chai’s rise as a global favourite, its sweet-and-spicy profile is gaining popularity in food and beverage applications. Its aromatic depth offers a comforting yet elevated alternative to traditional warming spices.

Cloud Dancer – Pantone Colour of the Year 2026

Colours coming from natural sources are vital in food and beverage innovation as consumers seek products that convey authenticity, transparency and trust. Soft, understated shades are gaining prominence, reflecting a desire for visual calm and balance in contrast to an overstimulating everyday environment. Within this context, white and off-white tones are emerging as powerful design elements that signal purity, quality and modern premium positioning.

Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer, encapsulates this broader movement. Rather than standing alone as a trend, this soft white tone reflects a wider shift towards natural colour aesthetics that feel reassuring, timeless and effortlessly elegant.

Soft white as natural colour trend 2026

Cloud Dancer (Pantone 11-4201) is a refined, gentle white that aligns closely with the growing preference for natural, minimal colour palettes. White has long been associated with simplicity and authenticity – drawing on visual references such as snow, clouds, marble and mist. In today’s market, these associations resonate strongly with consumers who value clean label concepts, reduced visual complexity and credible product cues.

For food and beverage manufacturers, this signals an opportunity to rethink how natural colours are used to communicate product value. Soft whites provide a neutral yet sophisticated foundation that harmonises easily with other colours, flavours and functional messages, without overwhelming the consumer.

Relevance of soft white tones across food and beverage applications

The appeal of natural white shades extends across categories, from confectionery and bakery to beverages. In product design, these tones support positioning around quality, restraint and modernity, while allowing brands to highlight sensory or functional benefits in a clear and confident way. Rather than being decorative, natural white colours become part of the product story – reinforcing expectations around ingredient integrity, processing transparency and premium appeal.

Natural white solutions that translate colour trends into product reality

Turning colour trends into successful products requires application-ready solutions that meet both technical and regulatory demands. Döhler’s portfolio of natural white solutions supports manufacturers in translating soft white aesthetics such as Cloud Dancer into scalable, market-ready concepts.

White Diamond is a bright, natural alternative to titanium dioxide for food applications. It delivers effective whitening for a wide range of confectionery products, including hard-boiled candies and pan coatings, while also providing bioavailable calcium. This enables manufacturers to achieve a clean, premium white appearance while aligning with evolving regulatory requirements and consumer expectations around ingredients.

In beverage applications, Döhler’s premium Cloud Emulsions create controlled cloudiness and a naturally appealing appearance in products that are otherwise colourless or lightly coloured. These natural emulsions offer high stability across applications and deliver intense cloudiness even at low dosages. They can also be combined with other shades to create customised cloudy tones that reflect current design directions.

Supporting manufacturers in bringing natural colour trends to market

With extensive expertise in natural colour solutions and application development, Döhler supports food and beverage manufacturers in translating colour movements such as soft whites and Cloud Dancer into commercially viable products. From clean-label white alternatives for confectionery to stable cloud solutions for beverages, the focus is on delivering premium appearances that resonate with today’s consumers while meeting technical, regulatory and sensory expectations.

By embedding colour trends into practical, future-ready solutions, manufacturers can create products that feel relevant today and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

In the lead-up to the trade show, the FRUIT LOGISTICA Briefing 2026 showcased the transformative power of AI in the fruit and vegetable industry. According to industry experts, significant opportunities exist to improve efficiency, quality and sustainability.

Prior to the commencement of FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026, a 60-minute session was held in which leading experts discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on the entire value chain. The FRUIT LOGISTICA briefing, which took place on 20 January, is now available to watch on demand.

‘AI is a game changer that will significantly impact production, quality control, logistics and even retail,’ says David Ruetz, Messe Berlin’s Senior Vice President. ‘The industry is at a crucial turning point.’ This is precisely why FRUIT LOGISTICA, an international platform for innovation, knowledge exchange and practical solutions, is more important than ever this year.

AI has long since become part of everyday life in the industry

Mike Knowles, the managing director of Fruitnet Europe and author of the 2026 FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report, emphasises the dynamic nature of this development: ‘AI is permeating the entire business and reshaping it.’ It is no longer a matter of visions of the future or theory, but of technologies that are used every day. The labour shortage and pressure to be more sustainable and cost-efficient are accelerating this change significantly.

“Currently, AI is having the greatest impact on smart production and quality control,” says Knowles, summarising the findings of the trend report. He highlights the particular potential of demand forecasting in the retail sector, explaining that accurate planning reduces losses, optimises the flow of goods and increases profitability and sustainability. The crucial question for the future is whether entire value chains will be able to operate fully automatically.

Data is the key to scaling

The discussion, moderated by Chris White, Chairman of the FRUIT LOGISTICA Advisory Board, also highlighted the challenges, particularly with regard to data quality, scaling up, and acceptance.

Bradford Warner, Global Head of Digital & Data at AgroFresh, believes that the key to a successful AI foundation lies in the database. In predictive harvest models in particular, it is crucial that the data is clean, consistent and compatible across borders. “AI only creates real added value when it delivers reliable, accurate results in terms of quality, profitability and sustainability,” he says. It is only then that acceptance among customers and decision-makers will increase.

Elad Mardix, the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Clarifresh, has observed a significant increase in expectations. ‘The tolerance for error is very low, partly because many technologies have not been successful on a large scale in the past.’ Decision-makers can only be convinced if the benefits are clearly measurable. Clarifresh uses AI for more precise quality control, which is significantly more accurate, objective and consistent than human judgement. The result? Around a quarter fewer complaints in retail. The long-term goal is to remove humans from the control process entirely.

Conversely, Wouter Kuiper, Chief Executive Officer at Kubo Greenhouse Projects, relies on a combination of experience and technology. For him, the key lies in the interplay between human intuition and AI. He explains, “Artificial intelligence can use large data sets to identify the most subtle details, calculate scenarios in advance and highlight risks at a very early stage.” He says that the decisive factor is actively embracing change: those who continue to develop will benefit, regardless of their company’s size. AI is therefore not just a topic for large corporations, but a genuine opportunity for smaller producers too.

Trend Report 2026 highlights competitive advantages through AI and automation

The 2026 FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report illustrates how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming the global supply chain for fruit and vegetables. These technologies offer the industry greater efficiency in production, more precise quality control, improved forecasting, optimised logistics, and reduced waste and resource consumption. The report highlights practical applications such as smart greenhouses, predictive harvest models, AI-supported quality assessment and logistics optimisation. The report also demonstrates the potential of autonomous systems, non-destructive quality analysis and modern cold chain management.

Free download: FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report 2026.

2026 tends to be one of the most challenging year for the citrus sector in Brazil. Although the 2025/26 crop presents a good volume of production, close to 300 million boxes of 40.8-kg, this potential has been partially affected by the high rate of fruit droppage, due to greening and citrus canker, in addition to unfavorable weather conditions in important developmental stages.

At the same time, the demand for orange juice is low in Europe, hindering trades of the commodity in current price levels. As the pace of trades is slow, juice stocks tend to increase at processing companies, reducing the need of the industry to buy new fruit loads. Therefore, the competition between juice sellers and purchasers intensifies, while the industry is more careful about purchases.

A possible recovery of the OJ consumption tends to be gradual. Price drops to final consumers progress slowly, and the demand in the Northern Hemisphere tends to be more limited, due to the winter period. Therefore, in the summer 2026, the demand may increase again, favoring a reaction in OJ sales and in the consumption of inventories.

Concerning oranges, the 2025/26 season is likely to finish with a volume that is slightly lower than 300 million 40.8-kg boxes in the citrus belt of São Paulo and Triângulo Mineiro. Still, the crop has been leading to a recovery of inventories, since it presented high-quality fruits. As for the 2026/27 season, greening and citrus canker concern producers, boosting production costs and limiting productivity gains.

As for the development of the 2026/27 crop, the heterogeneous weather among regions tends to result in distinct conditions in producing regions.

Döhler will exhibit at Marca Bologna 2026, Italy’s leading international trade fair for private label products, taking place on 14–15 January at BolognaFiere. The company will showcase a curated selection of beverage and snacking concepts designed to support retailers and brand owners in developing future-ready private label portfolios.

The concepts on display reflect the key trends shaping today’s retail market, including low- and no-sugar products, functional benefits, plant-based alternatives and non-alcoholic beverages, amongst others. They demonstrate how innovative ingredients and integrated solutions shape successful private label products that meet consumer expectations for better human nutrition.

Trend-driven beverage concepts for modern private labels

Visitors to the Döhler stand can explore a broad spectrum of ready-to-drink and functional beverage concepts, combining appealing taste profiles with contemporary positioning. Highlights include light juice drinks such as Multifruit Yellow and Multifruit Red, developed with reduced sugar while maintaining a refreshing sensory profile.

Tea-based innovation is represented by a sparkling Matcha-Lemongrass drink with natural caffeine, offering a balanced combination of flavour, functionality and energy. The growing demand for alcohol-free indulgence is addressed through Nocaholic mocktails, including Lime-Mint Virgin Mojito and Aperol 0.0 %, alongside a wine-mix RTD concept featuring passionfruit and peach on a wine base.

Further beverage innovations include energy drinks in flavours such as White Peach and a sugar-free Cherry-Cranberry variant without taurine, as well as sports and hydration drinks like Orange with natural caffeine and Strawberry-Watermelon with coconut water. Plant-based drink concepts such as Pistachio-Chocolate and Oat-Matcha complete the beverage portfolio, highlighting indulgence within a plant-based positioning.
Healthy snacking with added consumer value

In addition to beverages, Döhler will present healthy snacking concepts that align with clean label expectations and mindful consumption. These include freeze-dried fruits as well as a selection of nut spreads such as pistachio, peanut and coconut, offering versatility across private label snack ranges.

Supporting private label innovation

All concepts showcased at Marca Bologna 2026 are designed to inspire customised private label developments that balance taste, nutritional considerations and consumer relevance. Döhler’s expertise spans formulation, sensory optimisation and scalable solutions, supporting partners in translating trends into successful retail products.

BIOFACH 2026 showcases the future of organic: global diversity, young voices, and bold concepts for sustainable food systems.

Nuremberg will once again host the international organic community at BIOFACH from 10 to 13 February 2026. The world’s leading trade fair for organic food, BIOFACH provides a comprehensive overview of current developments all along the value chain, together with forward-looking ideas and new inspiration. The key theme of the BIOFACH Congress is “Growing Tomorrow – Young Voices, Bold Visions”. This focuses on topics such as food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture and societal change, supported by established players and a new generation of movers and shakers.

“BIOFACH 2026 shows how varied, international and future-oriented the organic sector is,” observes Dominik Dietz, Director BIOFACH at NürnbergMesse. “By giving the Congress a focus on young voices, innovative formats and a strong international network, we create inspiration for sustainably transforming both nutrition and agriculture.”

BIOFACH Congress: “Growing Tomorrow – Young Voices, Bold Visions”

With its key theme of “Growing Tomorrow – Young Voices, Bold Visions”, the BIOFACH Congress 2026 is dedicated to the viewpoints of young people who are assuming responsibility worldwide and taking the organic movement forward with new ideas. “A multi-generational approach is essential if we are to deal with the major questions regarding the future that we currently face,” says Tina Andres, Chair of the national organic association BÖLW. “At BIOFACH 2026 the floor belongs to the young, committed people who are assuming responsibility and shaping the future right now.”

In addition to the key theme, visitors to the Congress can look forward to specialist formats such as the Trade Forum, STADTLANDBIO and the collaborative “SustainableFutureLab”.

Exhibitors and a wide range of products: Global organic expertise

BIOFACH 2026 demonstrates the entire range of the organic world, from international market leaders to young companies. The event expects about 2,200 exhibitors who will present their organic products in a total of nine exhibition halls. There is a special focus on India as the Country of the Year. With its dynamic organic strategy and growing export expertise, India is a strong partner for global organic development.

Additional special exhibition areas such as Experience the World of PLANETARY HEALTH offer space for product presentations and exploring the topic in greater depth. “The Planetary Health Diet provides an answer to many of the crises we currently face,” notes Matthias Beuger of the Association of Organic Food Producers (AöL). “So it is in its rightful place at the heart of this exhibition area. In theory, there are now enough models for keeping consumption within the limits the planet can support. But how does that actually look on our plates? Examples of best practice are on display, from cultivating pulses and quality story-telling to the taste experience of a cooking show. Experience the World of PLANETARY HEALTH turns “food fit for the future” into reality.”

Supporting programme: Trends, innovations and interaction

The supporting programme at BIOFACH 2026 creates space for personal meetings and inspiration. It is directed at trade visitors at all points along the value chain, from cultivation to processing, trade and out-of-home catering, and offers a wealth of formats that focus on current trends, innovative concepts and practical solutions.

A rich variety of products and services is aimed at trade representatives in particular. In addition to the Trade Forum at the BIOFACH Congress, features such as the Meeting Point BIOimSEH and its accompanying Organic Experts Lounge offer them a central platform for interaction, product presentations and networking. “After 30 years of development, organic products are an essential part of the mainstream,” asserts Erich Magrander, publisher of bioPress. “Organic products can now be seen in all marketing channels, from the specialist trade to discounters. But full-range suppliers can do more. With the Meeting Point BIOimSEH, BIOFACH provides businesspeople with a platform for exchange for comprehensive organic marketinghere, sales representatives can talk to organic experts, get to know each other, network, and discover product presentations that go beyond the usual offerings. The accompanying Organic Experts Lounge offers plenty of space for discussion rounds, panels, lectures, and information events. This is where organic suppliers can use trade to build bridges from the field to the shelves, and ultimately to the consumers’ plates.”

The INNOVATION STAGE in Hall 4A offers presentation slots for new developments and innovations. Young companies can also improve their visibility and gain access to potential partners. The BIOFACH Start-up Pitches in 2026 will once again give many newcomers in the organics field the opportunity to introduce themselves. In the crowning finale, three start-ups will present their plans to a high-calibre jury of experts. In 2026 the five-member jury will consist of Alexander Stabel (Alnatura), Bärbel Ulrich (dm-drogerie market), Frank Künzel (dennree), Selda Morina (REWE Start-up Lounge) and Tillman Schulz (Food investor & Bohlsener Mühle).

Immediately adjacent to the INNOVATION STAGE will be the New Products Stand, where new products and developments will await discovery. This is where visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite product to receive the Best New Product Award. International start-ups will present their creative products and ideas in the “International Newcomers” pavilion, while the sponsored “Young Innovators” pavilion will be the place to experience innovative skills at a national level. The range of products and services will be complemented by the NextGen Campus in Hall 9.

At the Alternative Packaging Solutions pavilion, exhibitors will display their sustainable ideas in the area of packaging. Initiatives and NGOs will also have space to introduce their projects and network with industry players. A special area will be dedicated to the subject of organics in out-of-home catering, illustrating practical approaches to community catering.

As we look forward to 2026, a fundamental shift is already underway in product identification. The standard one-dimensional barcode is giving way to the dynamic 2D barcode, accelerated by the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative. The transition to QR codes and GS1 Digital Link is also driven by evolving regulations, consumer demand for transparency, the industry’s push for operational efficiency and the growing need for brands and private labels to establish a direct line of communication with shoppers.

Markem-Imaje, a global leader in product identification and traceability solutions, is deeply engaged in supporting this transition across Europe and beyond. Rémy Fontanet, Solutions Business Development Manager at Markem-Imaje, comments on the three trends driving rapid uptake of next-generation 2D barcodes.

1. Transparency is now a baseline expectation

“This year we saw a major UK retailer, Tesco, begin trials of next-generation QR codes powered by GS1 Digital Link to improve the accuracy of date codes, reduce food waste, help prevent the sale of out-of-date products and better inform consumers. The pilot demonstrates exactly why brands and retailers are accelerating adoption.

“Consumers increasingly expect instant, unique, verifiable information about the products they buy. They want to understand where an item comes from, how it was made, and what is in it. 2D barcodes can provide this depth of information transparency in a single scan, helping retailers and brands build trust through content that extends far beyond what can be physically displayed on the pack.

“According to Syndigo’s State of Product Content 2024, half of consumers abandoned a potential purchase because they could not find enough information, while 35 % returned a product because it did not meet expectations based on its description.

“GS1 Digital Link offers a direct way to meet this rising demand for clarity and trust.”

2. Sustainability and waste reduction are still high on the agenda

“The second major trend is sustainability. New EU rules, including the Digital Product Passport (DPP), will require brands to share more detailed information on-pack, covering ingredients, sourcing, environmental performance and recycling guidance. Static labels alone cannot meet this requirement, but 2D barcodes can. 2D barcodes offer the most effective way to provide accurate, batch-level or even serialised, unique information for each product, without overcrowding packaging.”

“Consumers also continue to prioritise sustainable behaviour. Mintel reports that 73% of UK shoppers try to act in a way that is not harmful to the environment. Having recycling information at your fingertips through a quick scan with your smartphone will facilitate waste handling. In addition, with smart 2D, you can include best-before dates and recall information in the connected code and block it at the Point-of-Sale or automatically lower its price when the product is about to expire, hence, increasing sales volumes and avoiding food waste.”

3. Health and wellness are shaping a new era of product data

“The third trend shaping adoption in Europe is health and wellness. As concerns around ultra-processed foods increase and the use of weight-management therapies becomes more mainstream, consumers are seeking more specific, real-time nutritional insights.

“Providing clear and complete information via a QR code allows consumers to make more informed choices and helps credible brands differentiate themselves. The clean label movement reinforces this. Innova Market Insights data shows that 35 % of European food and beverage launches carry a clean label claim, with strong consumer demand for ingredient transparency. Nearly two-thirds of shoppers reconsider purchases based on the ingredient list, and more than half say honesty is their top priority.

“2D barcodes can provide unique product or batch-level nutritional data, allergen updates and even direct access to recall information. For brands, this creates an opportunity to strengthen trust and loyalty by offering verified product data at the moment it matters most: the point of choice.”

Explore the latest lifestyle shifts and consumer trends that will shape the future of food and beverage in 2026

Innova Market Insights provides a forward–looking analysis of the lifestyles and behaviours impacting global food and beverage choices. By leveraging megatrends analysis, insights from consumer research, observations from global trendspotters, and monitoring category trends and innovations, Innova implements a top-down bottom-up strategy to identify consumer trends and their drivers. For both food and beverage brands and ingredient and flavour companies, this consumer trends 2026 analysis offers opportunities to adjust marketing strategies, propel innovation, and obtain a competitive advantage.

Understanding the macro context

In 2026, consumers are faced with numerous external pressures and a volatile world. They are navigating financial pressures, growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and mounting climate concerns. For example, anxiety is widespread, with half of global consumers saying they feel very or a little anxious about the world around them. Consumer trends reveal that Boomers and Gen Z are the most anxious, while millennials are more positive. In the past 12 months, 85 % of consumers globally also report feeling stress. The issues closest to home dominate, as personal finances are the number one cause of stress, followed by health, work, and school.

How are consumer lifestyles shifting?

Innova’s consumer trends 2026 research highlights the enduring lifestyle shifts that are influencing the global food and beverage market. Consumers are increasingly taking a proactive approach to well-being, with 1 in 3 consumers exercising to help manage stress. Additionally, conscious consumption is top of mind, as consumers are making choices that benefit both their wallets and the planet. Flexibility and digital living are also essential to consumer trends, and evolving work patterns and online platforms are enabling more fluid lifestyles. Therefore, the boundaries between work, home, and leisure are becoming blurred. Consumers, as a result, are looking for opportunities to exert greater control over their lives and find methods for escape and release.

Trend #1- Relaxed Sociability

The desire for healthier and more flexible lifestyles is fueling the shift to more relaxed social occasions and spaces. Consumer trends show that 59 % of consumers are choosing more casual ways to socialise, rather than formal, nighttime gatherings. Thus, the home, restaurants, nature, and the countryside are growing in popularity. Food remains a key factor in social bonding, and casual artisanal foods mirror the preference for more informal social occasions.

The role of coffee shops in socialising consumers is also growing. According to consumer trends research, their importance has grown by 22 %, largely driven by millennials, Gen Z, and consumers with higher incomes. This highlights the increasing popularity of “third spaces,” which are places outside of work and the home where people can build connections, foster a sense of community, and even promote wellness. In addition, the demand for alcohol-free alternatives is growing as consumers are looking to balance well-being with social enjoyment.

Trend #2- Time for Me

Consumers are actively choosing to spend more time alone, prioritising moments of self-care and opportunities for physical and mental restoration. Globally, 1 in 3 consumers say that spending time alone helps when they are stressed, and 29 % report that indulging in a food and beverage experience fits “me time.”

For example, one of Innova’s trend-spotters indicates that “Rather than going out for drinks or karaoke with friends, [consumers] now prefer to spend quality time at home,” making the intentional choice to treat themselves by cooking a nice meal or watching a movie. To relax and unwind, 47 % of consumers say they like to listen to music, and many also consider watching relaxing content or engaging with relaxing food and beverage as elements of “me time.” Therefore, for brands, there are numerous opportunities to create products or experiences that support consumers’ routines and preferences for carving out intentional time alone.

Trend #3- Vitality & Longevity

Aging populations and widespread access to health information are two key elements that are propelling the demand for long-term health and longevity solutions. For consumers, sleep, weight, and energy are the top physical health concerns. In fact, consumer trends research reports that 57 % are taking action to address concerns about their energy levels. Nevertheless, younger and older consumers have differing priorities when it comes to healthy aging, with Gen Z and millennials valuing disease prevention, looking fit, and staying energised. In contrast, Gen X and Boomers prioritise maintaining mobility, physical fitness, and keeping an active mind, as well as preventing disease.

Additionally, the market for longevity and vitality products is divided between more scientific, “lab-based” approaches and slower, more traditional forms of wellness. For instance, traditional approaches often include ancient remedies like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Brands interested in targeting vitality and energy can also turn to holistic solutions for opportunities to address both mental and physical energy needs that emphasise enduring vitality versus quick fixes.

Trend #4- My Tech Mate

Digital tools and generative AI are quickly being adopted by consumers to enrich and simplify many elements of their lives. 36 % of global consumers say they have a positive perception of AI, with younger generations demonstrating the most enthusiasm. In addition, 57 % of global consumers agree or strongly agree that they are interested in learning more ways to utilise AI. A large percentage even go as far to say that it even helps stimulate their creativity.

In the food and beverage market, AI is especially useful to streamline the meal preparation process for consumers. For instance, apps can help users track and meals, provide a nutritional analysis, and give expert advice to consumers. Recipe finders can also generate meal ideas based on ingredients a consumer has at home, and smart kitchen appliances can automate elements of the meal preparation and cooking process. As a result, there is an opportunity for brands to leverage technology as a tool to enable simplicity and serve as a source of inspiration for consumers.

Trend #5- Simplified Life

Globally, consumers are seeking ways to simplify their routines and achieve a balanced lifestyle. 29 % of consumers say that mental well-being has motivated them to simplify their lives, and 31 % point to spending time outdoors or in nature to help reduce stress. Limiting screen time to mitigate digital overload, connecting with nature, and choosing simple and comforting food and drink options are also key elements of this consumer trend.

When it comes to food and beverage, 1 in 4 consumers share that making healthy decisions is a cause of stress. Therefore, brands can gain a competitive edge by offering consumers products that promote ease, clarity, and reassurance. For example, fresh meal delivery kit services highlight a food experience that offers both convenience and simplicity for consumers looking to avoid complexity at mealtimes.

The „2025/2026 Tree Inventory and Orange Crop Forecast“ presents the results of the eleventh survey on the tree inventory of São Paulo and west- southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt carried out by Fundecitrus in cooperation with full professor from the department of Math and Science at FCAV/Unesp from August 2024 to May 2025. The report is based on full remapping and in-field data collection from August 2024 to May 2025 and reflects a notable rebound in orange production following years of challenges …

Please download the complete forecast under: www.fundecitrus.com

2025-2026 orange crop forecast

The 2025-2026 orange crop forecast for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt, published on May 09, 2025, by Fundecitrus in cooperation with full professor at FCAV/Unesp¹, is 314.60 million boxes of 40.8 kg (90 lbs) each. This production is divided as follows (figures in parentheses indicate the variation in production as compared to the previous crop):

• 49.48 million boxes of the Hamlin, Westin, and Rubi varieties (+ 31.49 %);
• 19.86 million boxes of the Valencia Americana, Seleta, Pineapple and Alvorada varieties (+ 27.31 %);
• 90.51 million boxes of the Pera variety (+ 21.16 %);
• 114.58 million boxes of the Valencia and Folha Murcha varieties (+ 50.78 %);
• 40.17 million boxes of the Natal variety (+ 49.05 %).

Approximately 26.93 million boxes are expected to be produced in the Triângulo Mineiro (+ 80.3 %).

Overall, the projected volume represents a significant increase of 36.27 % compared to the previous crop season, whose final number was 230.87 million boxes, bringing production back into the average range of the last ten years, …

Please download the complete forecast under: www.fundecitrus.com.br/pdf

¹José Carlos Barbosa, (voluntary) Full Professor at FCAV/Unesp.

At its meeting yesterday, the Supervisory Board of GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft extended the contract of CEO Stefan Klebert (55) by five years until December 31, 2026.

“Over the last two years, Stefan Klebert has led GEA back to a more successful path through targeted measures, highlighting the Group’s great potential for sustainable and profitable growth,” said Dr. Helmut Perlet, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of GEA Group AG. “The Supervisory Board therefore expresses its fullest confidence in him and is pleased to be able to continue our extremely successful cooperation.”

“I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for the trust they have placed in me,” commented Stefan Klebert, CEO of GEA Group AG. “GEA is a fantastic company with a compelling outlook for the future. I look forward to continuing to shape the company’s successful transformation.”

Shortly after Stefan Klebert took over as CEO in 2019, GEA initiated and consistently implemented several projects to improve efficiency. These initiatives, along with the short-term measures to manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have played a decisive role in ensuring that for the fiscal year 2020, GEA will again achieve significant gains in EBITDA before restructuring measures and the corresponding margin. In particular, the new organizational structure introduced in January 2020 has proven its worth by placing more revenue responsibility and decision-making power in the hands of local management.

Stefan Klebert became CEO in February 2019 and has been a member of the Executive Board since November 2018. On the Executive Board, he is responsible for all five divisions as well as the regions & country organizations. In this role, he also performs the function of Labor Director.