20 Most Significant Food‑related News – 2025
Industry Shifts & Big Brand Moves
1. Major food brands commit to ditch synthetic dyes
Hershey, Nestlé, Conagra, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, J.M. Smucker, and others are phasing out artificial colorants like Red 40 and Yellow 5 by 2027, responding to health‑focused initiatives led by US regulators .
2. J.M. Smucker outlines a detailed dye removal plan
Smucker pledges to eliminate synthetic dyes by end‑2027, removing them from K‑12 school tills by 2026 .
3. Nestlé & Conagra join the dye‑free movement
These giants aim to complete the shift—Nestlé by mid‑2026, Conagra (frozen foods first) by end‑2025, with full completion by 2027 .
Health, Regulation & Consumer Trends
4. UK to mandate calorie‑intake reporting in restaurants
Chains with 250+ employees will report average calories consumed by diners as part of a national obesity‑reduction plan .
5. Virginia bans Styrofoam food packaging
Polystyrene containers banned from July 1, 2025, for large vendors—full implementation by July 2026 .
6. Weight‑loss drugs reshape grocery spending
Use of GLP‑1 drugs, like Ozempic, linked to a 0.4% drop in UK grocery volumes; users cutting snack, alcohol spending .
7. US food price inflation persists
May saw grocery inflation (+2.2% YoY) and restaurant spending (+3.8% YoY). Egg prices remain volatile, still ~41% above last year .
Tech & Sustainability Innovations
8. Smart packaging hits new milestones
Battery‑free NFC sensor packaging now monitors freshness (e.g. fish), releasing preservatives to extend shelf life up to two weeks .
9. Smartphone traceability for food chain transparency
New systems track perishables (like kimchi) via RFID/smartphone with real‑time temperature/humidity logging .
10. AI & automation reshape food production
From robotic packaging to predictive analytics, manufacturers target 20% cost reduction and improved safety .
11. Food processing equipment market surges
Forecast to grow from $80 billion (2025) to $106 b by 2030, driven by sustainability, automation, and packaging tech .
12. EATS 2025 spotlights future‑of‑food trends
The upcoming expo will focus on food safety, sustainable packaging, automation, and smart manufacturing .
Fast‑Food & New Launches
13. *McDonald’s brings back Snack Wraps (July 10)*
Available in spicy and ranch variants, featuring a McCrispy strip in a tortilla .
14. Taco Bell debuts Crispy Chicken menu & Refrescas drinks
New strips, tacos/burritos, and six fruity/tea/caffeine Refrescas .
15. Shake Shack’s Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake returns
Pistachio custard, chocolate shell, crushed pistachios—available nationwide .
16. Popeye’s launches new chicken wraps
Three flavor wraps with pickles and sauce options: mayo, honey‑mustard, spicy .
17. Chick‑fil‑A peach shake & frosted lemonade revived
Peach swirl milkshake and peach‑infused frozen lemonade are back for summer .
Celebrations, Festivals & Deals
18. Fourth of July food deals round‑up
Chains across the US including McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Sonic, Jimmy John’s are offering fireworks deals & freebies around July 4 .
19. Summer grilling remains a summer staple
87% of Americans love the smell of outdoor grilling; 74% will cook more at home this summer to save money .
20. Picklesburgh festival returns July 11‑13, 2025
Pittsburgh’s annual pickle fest features pickle beer, ice cream, juice‑drinking contests, drawing ~200,000 attendees .
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