ON THE SHELF NOW
US - Oreo and Reese's launch first-of-its-kind two-way collaboration
America's #1 candy and #1 cookie brands unite for two products: Reese's Oreo Cups featuring milk chocolate, white creme, and cookie crumbs, and Oreo Reese's Cookies with peanut butter creme filling. Pre-sale begins August 18, with full rollout in September.
Why we care: When the titans of snacking decide to mate, the offspring obviously gonna dominate shelves.
Read more (CNN Business)US - Samyang Foods unveils MEP ramyeon soup line for American market
The Buldak maker launches three soup-forward ramyeon flavors: Black Pepper Beef, Garlic Clam, and Red Pepper Chicken with Cilantro. Available at H-Mart, Zion Market, and Amazon for $2.59 per bowl or $6.99 for a 4-pack.
Why we care: Worth noting their retail strategy focuses on Asian chains first.
Read more (Food Business News)- UK - Nestlé launches bakery-inspired confectionery range featuring cookie dough and cake batter flavors.
- US - Halloween-themed products hit shelves: Fruity Pebbles return in spooky orange and purple while Pillsbury debuts cat-shaped cookies.
- UK - Hula Hoops Flavarings return this month in Big 'n' Beefy and Spicy variants, available exclusively through Booker.
- US - Milano introduces Chai Latte cookies tapping into coffeehouse flavor trends for fall.
- US - Mott's launches shelf-stable smoothie pouches targeting on-the-go consumption occasions.
- US - Kellanova expands whole grain K-12 portfolio with new Cheez-It Spicy Buffalo and Scooby-Doo graham crackers for 2025-26 school year.
COMING SOON
US - Starbucks Brings 8 Fall-Inspired Products To Stores
Starbucks capitalizes on "Summerween" trend by launching pumpkin spice creamers, K-Cups, and ready-to-drink beverages in grocery stores.
Read more (All Recipes)- US - Pop-Tarts Frosted Pumpkin Pie returns for 2025 fall season with enhanced cinnamon flavor profile.
- US - Fall flavors arriving: Flipz Apple Cider Donut pretzels hit shelves mid-August at major retailers nationwide.
- UK - Purity Soft Drinks launches tropical sour variant expanding premium portfolio.
TREND ALERT
US - Olipop debuts SpongeBob Pineapple Paradise flavor combining nostalgia with function
The prebiotic soda brand taps nostalgia marketing with a SpongeBob SquarePants collaboration, featuring tropical pineapple flavor. This marks Olipop's first character licensing deal, targeting millennials who grew up with the iconic cartoon while maintaining their digestive health positioning.
Why we care: Character licensing in functional beverages shows the category is maturing beyond pure health positioning.
Read more (Sporked)US - General Mills introduces Wicked-themed cereals ahead of movie adaptation
The cereal giant launches "Elphaba's Electric Berry" and "Glinda's Cinnamon Sugar" cereals in partnership with Universal Pictures' upcoming Wicked film. Features color-changing milk effects and limited-edition packaging targeting both musical fans and younger demographics.
Why we care: Entertainment tie-ins are becoming the new limited edition strategy. General Mills proves how property partnerships can create urgency and shareability.
Read more (Allrecipes)- US - Liquid Death announces energy drinks for January 2026 with "unextreme" 100mg caffeine positioning targeting the $23 billion category.
INDUSTRY NEWS
US - Poppi settles $8.9M class action lawsuit over "gut healthy" claims
The prebiotic soda brand agrees to settlement over allegedly false health benefit marketing. Consumers who purchased Poppi between January 2020 and July 2025 can claim up to $16 without receipts, or more with proof of purchase.
Why we care: This settlement sets a precedent for functional beverage claims just as we're developing our vitamin soda marketing.
Read more (ClassAction.org)
South Korea - Ramyeon giants battle for soup base "soupremacy" through acquisitions
Samyang Foods pursues $43M acquisition of sauce maker GnF while Nongshim announces $122M purchase of Sewoo. Both moves aimed at vertical integration of soup base production amid global expansion pressures.
Why we care: The Korean noodle wars show how supply chain control becomes critical at scale.
Read more (Korea Herald)
US - Hershey's announces double-digit price increases due to cocoa crisis
Rising cocoa costs force "low double-digit" price hikes on Kit Kats, Reese's, and Hershey's bars. Cocoa prices remain at $8,500 per metric ton, nearly double January 2024 levels despite falling from December peaks of $12,000.
Why we care: When chocolate gets expensive, alternatives like our vitamin sodas become more attractive. Hershey's pain could be the pricing power gain in the better-for-you space as consumers trade down from premium confectionery.
Read more (CNN Business)
