Food News

Fans Drive Demand for Streamlined Recipes (Image Credits: Unsplash) The J.M. Smucker Co. announced a fresh addition to its Jif lineup on March 10, 2026, introducing Jif Simply Unsweetened Creamy Peanut Butter Spread.[1][2] This product responds to consumers who prioritize straightforward ingredient lists while maintaining the brand’s signature smooth texture and roasted peanut flavor. Available initially at Walmart, it marks the start of the Jif Simply line.[1] Fans Drive Demand for Streamlined Recipes Jif positioned the new spread as a direct answer to requests for fewer ingredients without losing the taste that has defined the brand for generations. Jessica Fair, … Read more

Lesson 1: Curb Turnover to Sustain Operational Flow (Image Credits: Unsplash) Each March, millions across the United States immerse themselves in the intensity of March Madness, predicting upsets and celebrating Cinderella stories. Championship teams, however, emerge not from luck but from rigorous preparation and strategic depth. Food manufacturers confronting tight labor markets, regulatory pressures, and fluctuating production needs stand to gain from these same principles. Effective workforce development transforms potential vulnerabilities into strengths, much like a top-seeded squad navigating the tournament’s demands.[1] Lesson 1: Curb Turnover to Sustain Operational Flow Turnovers in basketball can shift momentum in seconds, handing opponents … Read more

Precision Fermentation Redefines Protein Sources (Image Credits: Unsplash) The food production industry faces mounting pressures from climate change, resource scarcity, and consumer demand for sustainable options. In 2026, a wave of startups harnesses artificial intelligence and automation to tackle these issues head-on. These innovators target critical technologies that promise to make food manufacturing more efficient, eco-friendly, and scalable.[1] Precision Fermentation Redefines Protein Sources Startups achieved a breakthrough in fermentation systems by integrating sensors, digital controls, and AI analytics to optimize yields and cut resource use. Perfect Day secured FDA GRAS status for its animal-free whey protein and scaled production to … Read more

Recalls Surge Amid Data Silos (Image Credits: Unsplash) Global food and beverage manufacturers grapple with volatile supply chains, stringent regulations, and consumer demands for transparency. Disconnected systems amplify these challenges, leading to costly recalls from mislabeling or compliance lapses in formulation and packaging. Digital thread technologies emerge as a vital solution, weaving seamless data connections across the product lifecycle to enhance operational resilience.[1][2] Recalls Surge Amid Data Silos The food industry recorded 605 recalls in early 2026 alone, with labeling errors contributing to a significant portion.[3] These incidents often stem from fragmented information flows, where recipe details, supplier data, and … Read more

Over 85 Dishes Capture the Nation’s Unique Flavors (Image Credits: Pixabay) Eater, the renowned platform for restaurant news and food insights, has opened preorders for its second cookbook, Eaterland: Recipes and Stories from Across the United States. This 304-page volume dives into over 85 quirky regional dishes that shape the nation’s culinary identity, blending original restaurant recipes with personal stories and chef introductions. Set for release on April 28, 2026, the book arrives just ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.[1] Over 85 Dishes Capture the Nation’s Unique Flavors Food enthusiasts often associate American cuisine with classics like hamburgers … Read more

A Merger Forges a Private-Label Leader (Image Credits: Pixabay) Europe’s ice cream market remains highly fragmented, presenting opportunities for consolidation amid steady demand for private-label products. Glacier, a major player formed through recent mergers and acquisitions, has positioned itself as a key consolidator in this space. Executive director Matt Frost recently shared insights into the company’s strategy during an interview with Just Food, highlighting active deal-making and operational strengths.[1] A Merger Forges a Private-Label Leader Glacier emerged from the combination of Gelato d’Italia and Ysco, two established entities in private-label and co-manufacturing. Gelato d’Italia brought innovation, speed to market, and … Read more

Anecoop’s Dominant Position in Exports (Image Credits: Unsplash) Spain – One of the country’s premier agricultural cooperatives, Anecoop, announced the acquisition of fresh produce grower Marfruit on March 16, 2026. This move aims to fortify its supply network amid intensifying global competition. The integration promises to enhance Anecoop’s offerings significantly, positioning the group for stronger market penetration across multiple continents.[1][2] Anecoop’s Dominant Position in Exports Founded in 1975, Anecoop stands as Spain’s largest fruit and vegetable exporter. The cooperative unites 61 associated agricultural entities, drawing from more than 20,000 farmers who cultivate over 61,000 hectares across 13 provinces.[1] Its portfolio … Read more

Consumers Crave More Protein (Image Credits: Unsplash) United States – PepsiCo has stepped up its push into the high-protein snack category with the introduction of Good Warrior meat snacks. The company unveiled beef sticks in Original and Jalapeño Pepper flavors, set to appear in retailers across the country this month. This launch reflects growing consumer interest in convenient, nutrient-dense foods amid evolving dietary preferences.[1] Consumers Crave More Protein A January survey commissioned by PepsiCo found that 86 percent of Americans aim to increase their protein intake.[1] This statistic underscores a broader trend where shoppers prioritize snacks that deliver both taste … Read more

MHP’s Rapid Push into Spanish Poultry (Image Credits: Pixabay) Spain – Uvesa, the established poultry group controlled by Ukrainian agribusiness leader MHP, reached an agreement to acquire Payán Hermanos, a respected player in the Spanish market.[1] This transaction underscores ongoing consolidation efforts in Europe’s poultry industry, where firms seek scale amid shifting consumer demands and supply chain pressures. The move follows MHP’s deepened investment in Uvesa last year, positioning the combined entity for stronger regional dominance. MHP’s Rapid Push into Spanish Poultry London-listed MHP completed its acquisition of over 92% of Uvesa shares in August 2025, marking a pivotal expansion … Read more

A Swift Response to Supplier Alert Shakes Up Dinner Plans (Image Credits: Pixabay) Costco Wholesale moved swiftly to recall a popular ready-to-eat meatloaf meal after learning of possible contamination from a key supplier. The affected products, sold at warehouses in 28 states and territories earlier this month, prompted notifications to members who purchased them between March 2 and March 13, 2026. Health officials emphasize the precautionary nature of the action, with no confirmed illnesses linked to the items so far.[1][2] A Swift Response to Supplier Alert Shakes Up Dinner Plans Griffith Foods Inc., the supplier of a critical ingredient in … Read more