The Dairy Council of California has released its new 2026 Trends for Education and Health Professionals publication, offering an in-depth look at emerging forces shaping food, nutrition and health systems that industry stakeholders should watch this year. Designed for nutrition educators, health professionals, foodservice innovators and food system partners, the annual trends report translates cutting-edge research, policy shifts and real-world insights into actionable guidance. The 2026 edition emphasises how evolving science and consumer expectations are influencing eating patterns, product positioning and community outcomes. According to the report, four major trend vectors will shape the dairy – and broader food and beverage – landscape: Rising consumer demand for protein and dairy innovation : Protein continues to be a central driver of consumer choice, particularly products that balance high-quality dairy protein with convenience and wellness attributes. Defining and regulating ultra-processed foods: As regulators and public health advocates debate what constitutes 'processed,' clearer frameworks are emerging that could influence labelling, marketing and formulation strategies across categories. Children’s health and nutrition challenges: Persistent nutritional gaps among youth underscore opportunities for dairy and fortified foods to play a larger role in school and community nutrition initiatives. Integration of nutrition in healthcare: With an increasing focus on preventative health, the report highlights opportunities for dairy and nutrient-rich foods to be integrated more fully within clinical and wellness programs. The publication also explores broader themes, including nutrition policy dynamics and the resurging interest in whole milk within certain consumer segments. “This year’s report reflects both the challenges and opportunities facing our food and nutrition systems,” said Amy DeLisio, CEO of Dairy Council of California. “By bringing together evidence, expert perspectives and practical implications, Trends equips professionals to take informed action, from designing programs to shaping policies that create healthier outcomes.” For food and beverage manufacturers in the dairy category, the insights may inform new product concepts centred on high-protein formulations, ingredient transparency and health-focused positioning, all of which continue to influence innovation pipelines and consumer loyalty. Aligning product development with emerging regulatory definitions and health priorities can help brands navigate a rapidly evolving market.

US cultured dairy specialist Lifeway Foods is set to expand beyond drinkable kefir with the launch of Probiotic Kefir Butter, a hand-churned, spreadable European-style butter that combines traditional butter craftsmanship with the brand’s expertise in fermented foods. Scheduled to debut in 2026, the new range will be available in an 8oz tub and will launch in three variants: Unsalted, Sea Salt and Honey Butter. The products are designed for spreading, baking and cooking, as well as finishing dishes and brunch occasions. Lifeway said the launch builds on decades of experience in cultured dairy and butter production through its Fresh Made subsidiary, with existing manufacturing capabilities, specialist equipment and capacity already in place to support scale as demand for premium butter continues to grow. “Our strength has always been cultured dairy. We already operate a butter business and understand the category deeply,” Julie Smolyansky, president and CEO of Lifeway Foods, said. “What has changed is the consumer mindset. With newly released dietary guidelines highlighting cultured foods and growing demand for quality, full-fat dairy, we see a significant opportunity to innovate at the intersection of butter and kefir.” The Butter and Butter Blends category is now valued at around $6 billion in the US, with premium and European-style formats driving growth as shoppers trade up for flavour, texture and versatility. Spreadable tub formats are also gaining share, offering added convenience without compromising on indulgence. “For retailers, butter is a category that delivers both velocity and premium trade-up,” Smolyansky said. “It creates a meaningful opportunity for differentiation within the refrigerated dairy case.” The three SKUs have been developed to cover a range of usage occasions: Unsalted, targeted at cooking and baking; Sea Salt, designed for finishing savoury dishes; Honey Butter, aimed at breakfast, snacking and sweet applications. “Consumers feel more comfortable enjoying high-quality dairy fat again, and retailers are responding. Butter and kefir are both categories rooted in tradition, and bringing them together opens up exciting new possibilities.” Smolyansky added. Lifeway Probiotic Kefir Butter™ will roll out in select retail and foodservice channels from 2026, with further details on distribution, merchandising and promotional support to be announced closer to launch.

Müller UK & Ireland has set out the next phase of investment at its Skelmersdale site in West Lancashire, proposing a number of changes to production at the site. With global demand for dairy products forecast to rise over the coming decade, the business is investing significantly to expand the capacity and capabilities of the site, using milk sourced from British farms. As part of its ambition to create a flagship milk-drying and dairy ingredients facility, Müller has confirmed plans to develop a new in-house logistics hub at Skelmersdale. The hub will be designed to accommodate up to 65 milk collection vehicles and will support the daily collection of raw milk from supplying farms, enhancing operational efficiency and supply chain resilience. To support the ongoing investment, Müller has also confirmed it will recruit up to 90 new roles linked to the new logistics hub. Vacancies will include drivers, driver trainers, vehicle technicians and logistics support roles. Alongside these developments, Müller is proposing changes to production at the site following discussions with its long-term retail partners. Under the proposals, fresh milk and cream production would move from Skelmersdale to alternative locations within Müller’s existing UK manufacturing network. As a result, the company has entered into a collective consultation at the Skelmersdale site to assess future operational requirements. Subject to the outcome, Skelmersdale would transition into a centre of excellence for milk balancing, reinforcing its role in securing supply chain resilience and supporting the wider UK dairy industry. The review could potentially place up to 90 roles at risk of redundancy, although Müller stressed that no final decisions have been made. The business said it would explore opportunities for redeployment of skills across the wider Skelmersdale site and the Müller UK network as part of the consultation process. Müller said it will approach the consultation in an open and constructive manner, with a commitment to understanding employee feedback and evaluating all available options before making decisions. “We’re investing in a flagship facility that will set new standards for milk drying, dairy ingredients products and logistics, creating a bright future for Müller Skelmersdale,” said Rob Hutchison, CEO of Müller Milk & Ingredients. “Our investment will lead to better service and quality for our customers at home and abroad, and new opportunities for local people. Change is never easy, and consultations can be unsettling. We take this process seriously and will carefully consider every option before making decisions." He continued. “We’re confident in the plans underway and the future developments we’re working on at Müller Skelmersdale – initiatives that will strengthen our position and deliver benefits across the entire dairy supply chain. We are creating long-term and highly skilled local job opportunities and putting Skelmersdale firmly on the map as a key player in the UK dairy industry.”

Andy Bagnall. The British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) has appointed Andy Bagnall as its new director general, replacing Gavin Partington, who is retiring after 13 years in the role. Bagnall took up the position on 12 January and will lead the trade body representing a broad cross-section of the UK soft drinks industry, including major manufacturers and brand owners such as Carlsberg Britvic, Coca-Cola Great Britain and Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I. He joins the BSDA with a background spanning politics, professional services and trade associations. A former political adviser, Bagnall has held senior leadership roles at the Confederation of British Industry and KPMG, as well as within the rail sector, most recently serving as chief executive of Rail Partners. Commenting on his appointment, Bagnall said he was joining the association at a pivotal moment for the sector. “The association plays a vital role in representing its members, and I look forward to working closely with them to ensure their voices are heard and their interests effectively championed,“ he added. “With sales of more than £22 billion a year and over 17,000 people working directly in the industry, soft drinks is a sector which packs a punch, and it’s crucial that our members’ contribution is both recognised and supported.” He identified the delivery of a fit-for-purpose deposit return scheme (DRS) by October 2027 as a key priority for the association, describing it as a critical step towards greater circularity. BSDA president William Watkins, founder and owner of Radnor Hills, said Bagnall’s strategic and policy experience would strengthen the association as members face increasing regulatory and cost pressures. “We are thrilled to have Andy on board,” Watkins said. “The BSDA represents an interesting and varied mix of companies, from global brand names through to family-run small businesses, many of whom are feeling the pinch from rising input costs alongside an endless conveyor belt of policy measures.” Watkins added that Bagnall’s leadership would play a key role in driving the association’s work and enhancing support for members. Outgoing leader Partington joined the BSDA as director general in October 2012. During his tenure, he oversaw the association’s response to major regulatory developments, including the introduction of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy and proposals for deposit return schemes across the UK. Reflecting on his time in the role, Partington said: “It’s been a privilege to lead the association over the last 13 years and work alongside such a committed board, team and membership. I’m proud of what we have achieved together and am confident that the BSDA is well placed for the future.” Watkins commented: “During his tenure, Gavin steered our association through the choppy waters of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, as well as the abortive attempt by Scotland to set up its own DRS, along with many other challenges. He has built the BSDA into an efficient and effective trade body and leaves behind a legacy from which members will continue to benefit.”

Functional hydration brand Vievé has entered the healthy snacking market with the launch of a new range of high-protein, low-sugar bars, marking a significant expansion of its portfolio. Designed to support active lifestyles and weight management, the new protein bars deliver 15g of protein and 12g of fibre per bar, with no added sugar, gluten-free ingredients and fewer than 160 calories per 45g bar. The launch features three flavours: Pistachio Punch, inspired by the Dubai chocolate trend, featuring real pistachio and nut pieces; Strawberry Blondie combines real strawberry pieces with a white chocolate coating; and Coconut Crunch offers a tropical flavour profile with real shredded coconut. “Launching into the healthy snacking sector is a completely new venture for us and part of an ongoing brand expansion project,” Vievé founder and CEO Rafael Rozenson said. “Since 2018 we have focused on functional hydration for busy people with our protein water, but we now see protein bars as a complementary product for health-conscious individuals. These bars are also designed for those using GLP-1 medication, following research showing that 50% of our customers use our products as part of a weight loss regime.” Rozenson added that flavour innovation, fibre content and sugar reduction were central to the NPD strategy. “We’ve focused on unusual flavours and our Pistachio variant is inspired by the Dubai chocolate craze, but with that extra protein and fibre hit. Added fibre was a key priority, as many consumers don’t get enough in their diet, and we’ve created a bar that delivers around a third of the recommended daily intake. Keeping sugar levels low was also essential to support health goals.” The bars are packaged in a clean, compact format designed to perform well in impulse locations, front-of-store displays and meal deal mechanics. Vievé’s new protein bar range is available to retailers nationwide with an RRP of £2.49.

Mars-owned cereal brand Nutri-Grain is launching Nutri-Grain Crunchy in the US, a new snack bar designed to meet growing consumer demand for whole grains and higher fibre options. The bars, hitting select retailers this month with a full national rollout planned for spring, come in Chocolate Chip Chia and Honey Oat Flax flavours. Nutri-Grain Crunchy is formulated with oats, barley, buckwheat, rye and quinoa, delivering at least 23g of whole grains per bar and a 'good source of fibre'. The bars are Non-GMO, peanut-free and free from high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavours and colours, aligning with a wider industry trend toward cleaner labels and better-for-you snacks. “Nutri-Grain Crunchy is a fresh expression of the brand’s hard-working goodness,” said Eileen Flaherty-Yao, senior director, brand marketing at Mars. “It’s a crisp, flavourful bar designed to support the small but meaningful moments that carry people through the day.” The launch reflects the broader consumer shift toward purposeful nutrition, particularly fibre, which remains underconsumed by most Americans. According to the USDA, average daily intake falls at around half the recommended level, signalling an opportunity for convenient snacks that support everyday wellness. Nutri-Grain Crunchy represents an evolution in the brand’s portfolio refresh, combining upgraded nutrition with a crisp texture and familiar bar format. The new bars aim to balance taste, convenience and health claims, positioning them to appeal to both existing brand loyalists and a new wave of health-conscious consumers. Priced at $4.49 per 10-count box, the bars will roll out nationally through spring 2026.

Om Mushrooms, a US-based functional mushroom company, has secured a $6.5 million line of credit from JPalmer Collective (JPC), an asset-based lender specialising in high-growth, women-led and natural products businesses. The funding is intended to support Om Mushrooms’ next stage of growth, enabling the company to meet rising consumer demand for functional mushroom products across supplements, beverages and plant-based nutrition categories. “This funding will help us navigate growth opportunities as consumers increasingly seek out the benefits of mushrooms,” said Sandra Carter, co-founder of Om Mushrooms and M2 Ingredients. “JPC understands our business and channels in detail, serving not just as a lender but as a strategic advisor.” Founded by Dr Carter, a health and wellness expert, and veteran mycologist Steve Farrar, Om Mushrooms has built a reputation in the functional wellness sector over more than a decade. Its portfolio includes organic, non-GMO mushroom powders, capsules, gummies and functional beverages aimed at supporting focus, immunity, stress relief and gut health. JPalmer Collective’s founder and CEO, Jennifer Palmer, said: “Functional mushrooms have become one of the most exciting growth areas in natural wellness, and Om has been ahead of that curve for more than a decade”. The flexible credit line is designed to support Om Mushrooms’ scaling needs and ensure the company can respond to surging demand. The move comes amid a broader surge in consumer interest in functional wellness and plant-based natural products, with mushrooms increasingly positioned as versatile ingredients in both supplements and functional foods and beverages. JPalmer Collective, established in 2023, focuses on providing consultative lending solutions for women-led and high-growth consumer brands, particularly those serving sustainability-conscious markets. Om Mushrooms products are grown in the US under certified organic conditions and undergo rigorous testing for purity and potency. The company’s emphasis on science-backed wellness solutions positions it to capitalise on the growing functional mushroom trend, which is expected to remain a high-growth segment within the broader natural products market.

BodyArmor the US-based sports and functional hydration brand, is expanding its Flash I.V. line with the introduction of Flash I.V. Caffeine Zero Sugar, a new beverage aimed at active consumers seeking both hydration and alertness. The latest release contains 95mg of caffeine, 2,290mg of electrolytes – more than traditional sports drinks – and zero sugar, positioning it at the intersection of the growing functional beverage and energy hydration segments. It is offered in Pineapple Passionfruit and Watermelon Punch flavours, combining “bold taste with functional performance,” according to the company. The move builds on BodyArmor’s broader Flash I.V. portfolio, which includes ready-to-drink beverages and hydration boosters, and reflects the brand’s strategy to target health-conscious, performance-oriented consumers. The formulation also incorporates zinc and vitamins B and C, supporting immune health alongside hydration and cognitive alertness. The launch follows the brand’s 2025 rebranding, which introduced a refreshed visual identity and packaging aimed at appealing to both established and next-generation athletes. The functional hydration segment is experiencing rapid growth, driven by consumer interest in zero-sugar options, natural ingredients and beverages that combine hydration with cognitive or energy benefits. The product officially launches today (January 14) and will be available nationwide in stores and online.

Heinz has unveiled a unique new packaging innovation: the Heinz Dipper, a fry box with a built-in ketchup compartment engineered for on-the-go dipping. The patent-pending Heinz Dipper is now rolling out at participating restaurants and sports stadiums in 11 countries worldwide, including six cities in the US and ten other countries: Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Philippines, Thailand, China and Kuwait. It aims to help consumers enjoy the iconic fries and ketchup combination away from the table, with Talker research finding that 70% of ketchup and fry lovers have spilled ketchup when dipping on-the-go. Furthermore, 80% said they have considered skipping condiments altogether due to a lack of ‘dip-friendly’ packaging options. Heinz’ packaging innovation, made to address these problems with a mess-free, convenient design, marks the most widespread global activation from the brand to date. It serves as a test for expanded distribution and long-term growth in Heinz’s Away from Home channel. Nina Patel, vice president of global Heinz brand at the Kraft Heinz Company, said: “As more eating occasions happen away from home in drive-thrus and on-the-go moments, the Heinz Dipper is a fun and relevant way to innovate to meet fans where they are and strengthen our role in their everyday lives”.

Coca-Cola has halted its plans to sell Costa Coffee, the UK-based coffee chain it acquired for $5.1 billion in 2018. This decision follows a protracted auction process that failed to yield satisfactory offers from prospective buyers, according to a report by the Financial Times . The news of the potential sales was first announced back in August 2025 , which came as the beverage giant reassessed its portfolio in response to evolving consumer preferences and economic pressures. Coca-Cola's decision to terminate discussions with potential bidders, which included private equity firms such as TDR Capital and Bain Capital, marks a pivotal moment in the company's strategy to enhance its footprint in the competitive global coffee market. The beverage giant had initiated the sale process in response to shifting market dynamics and increasing competition from major players like Starbucks and Nestlé. Despite initial interest from several private equity firms, including Apollo Global Management and KKR, the final bids were reported to be below Coca-Cola's expectations, prompting the company to cease negotiations in December. While the company has not ruled out the possibility of reviving the sale in the medium term, the current pause highlights the challenges in the food and beverage acquisition landscape. Coca-Cola's acquisition of Costa Coffee was aimed at bolstering its presence in the coffee segment, which has seen rapid growth and diversification. However, the decision to withdraw from the sale process raises questions about the company's future strategy for Costa amidst evolving consumer preferences and market conditions.

Private equity firm L Catterton has announced the acquisition of Good Culture, a rapidly growing cottage cheese brand, in a deal that values the brand at more than $500 million. This investment highlights the increasing consumer demand for innovative dairy products and positions L Catterton to capitalise on the burgeoning cultured dairy segment. Good Culture has experienced remarkable growth, with sales quadrupling over the past three years, coinciding with a nearly 60% increase in the overall cottage cheese market during the same period. The brand has established a strong presence by transforming cottage cheese into a versatile and appealing option for health-conscious consumers, a trend that is gaining momentum in the food and beverage sector. Andrew Taub, managing partner of L Catterton’s Flagship Fund, said: “Good Culture has built an extraordinary niche in cultured dairy, transforming a once-dormant corner and making cottage cheese into one of the most exciting and versatile items in food.” This sentiment reflects a broader industry shift towards products that meet evolving consumer preferences for healthier and more functional foods. L Catterton's investment will enable Good Culture to expand its production capabilities, enhance distribution channels, and drive innovation within its product line, which includes not only cottage cheese but also sour cream and cream cheese. The acquisition underscores L Catterton’s strategy of investing in consumer-focused brands that resonate with contemporary dietary trends. Backed by luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, L Catterton manages approximately $37 billion in assets, with a diverse portfolio that includes health and wellness brands like Solidcore and Thorne. As the cottage cheese category continues to evolve, industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring Good Culture’s integration into the L Catterton portfolio. The brand’s focus on high-quality ingredients and innovative marketing strategies positions it well to capture an even larger share of the growing cultured dairy market. With this acquisition, L Catterton not only enhances its footprint in the dairy sector but also reinforces its commitment to supporting brands that align with consumer demands for healthier, more sustainable food options. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Diageo is reportedly considering a sale of its China assets as part of a review of its operations, according to Bloomberg News . The report, published yesterday, states that the Guinness and Johnnie Walker maker is conducting an assessment of the China assets as part of efforts to streamline its portfolio. According to Bloomberg , its unidentified sources revealed Diageo is currently working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to carry out the review of its operations, which includes a more than 63% stake in Shanghai-listed wine and spirits group Sichuan Swellfun. The alcohol giant has faced headwinds in recent years due to changing consumer behaviours and market challenges, particularly relating to the ongoing tariff uncertainty. The company reported slowing demand in China in November, leading to a double-digit sales decline. Diageo has been implementing a series of strategic measures to optimise its operations and improve performance, including several divestments over the past year. Most recently, it announced the sale of its 65% stake in East African Breweries (EABL) to Japanese beer giant Asahi in a significant $2.3 billion deal. The transaction is currently undergoing a regulatory review process, however the sale’s final completion has been temporarily halted by Kenya’s High Court after previous EABL distributor Bia Tosha filed a motion seeking to suspend the sale until pending litigation – based on a dispute with Diageo dating back to 2016 – is resolved. FoodBev has approached Diageo for comment on the review of its China business.