News and Trends

 Source: Jade H, Executive Leader of Purchasing Whole Foods Market, Linkedin post 30th July 2026 Every season brings a new wave of food trends. The challenge is working out which ones are a social media moment, and which ones are genuinely changing the way people shop. Here are five shifts I'm seeing as a buyer this summer: 🌶️ Swicy is going mainstream Sweet heat has moved far beyond hot honey. We're seeing chilli paired with everything from fruit and chocolate to fermented sauces and drinks. Consumers still want bold flavours, but they're becoming much more adventurous about where they find them. 🥤 Function needs to taste good Protein, gut health and hydration aren't new. What's changing is consumer expectation. People no longer want to compromise on flavour or texture in return for a health benefit. The brands winning are delivering both. 🛒 Premium convenience is becoming the norm Customers still want quick meal solutions, but increasingly they're looking f...

Source: Retailgazette.co.uk, 29th July 2026 Instacart and Morrisons have rolled out caper smart trolleys to the supermarket’s Preston store, marking Instacart’s first UK retail partnership for its AI-powered smart trolley.  The caper smart trolleys are designed to “bring the convenience and intelligence of online shopping directly into the store,” according to the business.  The trolleys automatically recognise items as they are placed inside them and weigh fresh produce on the spot.  Customers are able to bag items as they shop, “saving time throughout the trip and making checkout quicker and easier”.  The trolley’s touchscreen displays a running basket total to help shoppers stay on budget. It also makes relevant product recommendations and enables customers to scan their Morrisons More Card to instantly access loyalty savings and promotions throughout their shop.  At the end of their shopping trip, customers scan the barcode displayed on the trolley’s screen...