News and Trends

  The NHS defines GLP-1 drugs, also known as GLP-1 agonists, as medicines for the treatment of diabetes that emulate the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, naturally released when we eat. Popular iterations of these drugs – such as Wegovy and Ozempic – have now been adopted as mainstream weight loss medications. They work in a variety of ways, not just helping with insulin production and glucose reduction, but also aiding in weight loss and appetite suppression. GLP-1s have been widely adopted in recent years, with a notable impact on UK nutrition trends and the resulting food innovation in response to these changes. The Appetite Disruption When the stomach fills with food, it stretches, activating sensors called mechanoreceptors situated in the stomach wall. These sensors send a fullness signal to the brain via the vagus nerve, a key communication pathway between our gut and brain. Stomach distention is partly determined by how quickly the stomach empties food into the small intes...

  While the overall childrenswear market for back-to-school dipped slightly over the summer, grocery retailers grew ahead of the market at 8.4%.** Take-home sales at the grocers grew by 4.8% over the four weeks to 7 September versus last year, according to our latest figures.  Like-for-like grocery price inflation dipped slightly for the second consecutive month to 4.9%. Prices might not be climbing quite as quickly, but they’re still on the rise and the battle between own-label lines and brands continues as household finances remain tight.  Supermarkets’ own lines now make up 51.2% of all sales, up from 50.9% a year ago.  Sales of these products grew by 5.9% this period, just ahead of brands at 5.3%, but it’s the premium own label goods which are the real standout performers.  Sales rose by an impressive 10.3% making it six months in a row that they’ve increased by double digits.  However, brands are holding ground in some categories, including toothbrushe...

 

 

 

Source: Kantar As of early 2025, approximately   4.2 million adults   in Great Britain, or nearly   one in ten , are using GLP-1 drugs to support weight loss, with   2.9%   of adults reporting such use in the past year. This trend indicates a significant increase in the usage of GLP-1 drugs,  reflecting a broader cultural shift in consumer behavior regarding weight management The adoption of GLP-1 drugs in the UK sweet bakery industry is expected to have a significant impact on consumer behavior and market dynamics. As GLP-1 drugs become more widely used, particularly among weight-loss users, there is a potential shift in snack consumption patterns. This could lead to a decrease in the demand for ultra-processed, calorie-dense items like chips and sweet bakery goods. The sweet bakery industry may need to adapt by offering healthier alternatives, focusing on portion sizing, and promoting 'functional' food that highlights nutritional benefits. Companies shoul...

  Pret a Manger is launching its first ever lunchtime meal deal next week as it goes to war with the supermarkets - and the price customers will pay has been revealed for the first time today. The popular sandwich and coffee chain has so far resisted offering the staple 'meal deal' which Brits have long opted for at supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsburys. But on Monday, Pret finally caved to the competition and announced it will test the meal deal format in the final three months of this year amid efforts to 'double down' on delivering strong value for customers.  The lunch deal will include 'any bread-based sandwich, crisps, and a drink', ranging in price between £6 and £7. Meanwhile, a morning deal will allow customers to combine a coffee and croissant for between £4 and £5, although it is not known how long the trial will last. Pret said it will test the deals at different prices in about 70 stores from September 16 to see how consumers react. Boss Pano ...

 

  IGD, 25 June 2025 Explore how roadside retailing is remaining a focus for significant development and the opportunities it brings. Roadside retailing remains a focus for significant development. Forecourt operators are seeking to target the complementary opportunities connected to the sale of fuel, and to the commercial charging of the growing numbers of electric vehicles. In this changing world, the challenging economics of fuel sales and recharging are making complementary retail an ever more critical component of roadside sites’ commercial success. However, to target this opportunity, businesses face significant challenges. These include developing capabilities that can deliver credible and successful solutions across different areas of trade that require a diversity of non-core operational processes and skills. As we have seen over recent decades, the simplest approach, which offers the quickest results, is to partner with other businesses, such as retail and foodservice. Thi...