ON THE SHELF NOW
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US - Liquid Death launches Fruity Pebbles "Cereal Criminal" sparkling water
Liquid Death partners with Post's Fruity Pebbles to create a cereal milk-flavored sparkling water that "tastes like the milk left at the bottom of your Fruity Pebbles bowl." Available now at Walmart, nationwide rollout July 18.
Why we care: Category-blurring innovations continue to push boundaries, nostalgic breakfast flavors in sparkling water form suggest consumers are craving familiarity with a functional twist.
Read more (Allrecipes/Food and Wine)
UK - Chupa Chups launches Pinkis soft mallowy jellies
Perfetti Van Melle expands its Chupa Chups jellies range with Pinkis, featuring a "uniquely fluffy texture" and strawberry flavor. Launches as jellies sales grow 9% year-on-year, with Chupa Chups jellies growing 11%.
Why we care: Texture innovation is driving confectionery growth, this "fluffy" positioning taps into the sensory experience trend that's captivating social media and impulse purchases.
Read more (Better Retailing)
US - General Mills introduces Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bacon Flavored Cereal
Following last year's bacon-flavored with Cinnadust, General Mills and Hormel flip the script with bacon-flavored cereal. Limited edition 6-oz pouches launch exclusively at Walmart.com.
Why we care: Sweet-meets-savory continues to drive innovation in breakfast categories. These collaborations show how legacy brands can generate buzz by challenging traditional flavor boundaries.
Read more (Food Business News)- UK - Jacob's teams up with Frank's RedHot for spicy Mini Cheddars collaboration across three product lines
- UK - Real fruit juice and no preservatives feature in Maynards Bassetts' new Classic Fruit Mix
- UK - Walkers launches Discos Pickled Onion after 20-year absence with nostalgic PMP format
- UK - Skittles introduces convenient price-marked packs across Fruits, Squishy Clouds, and Desserts lines
- UK - Mars launches Galaxy Smooth Milk in new PMP format targeting convenience shoppers
- UK - First packaging refresh in a decade brings Golden Wonder's bold new look plus Salt & Chilli Chicken flavor
- UK - Crisp-flavored coated peanuts arrive as PepsiCo launches That's Nuts range in Walkers and Doritos flavors
- US - Campbell's introduces V8 Pineapple Jalapeño juice blend for sweet-and-spicy functional beverage trend
- US - German orange cola Paulaner Sunset expands nationwide following California market success
- UK - Mars Wrigley introduces Skittles price-marked packs across key lines for convenience retailers
COMING SOON
US - Cheez-It confirms first-ever gluten-free crackers launching 2026
After years of fan requests, Kellogg's Cheez-It announces gluten-free Original crackers will hit shelves nationwide in 2026. The GFCO-certified product maintains the same "cheesy, crunchy, salty" taste profile.
Why we care: Major brands finally addressing gluten-free demands signals market maturation beyond niche players.
Read more (Allrecipes)- UK - Premium biscuit range expansion as McVitie's adds Caramel Dark Chocolate Rounds to Signature collection
- UK - Targeting cheese snack growth, Quavers Red Leicester launches for existing fans and new shoppers
- UK - Consumers get Cheetos Original Cheese flavor July 14th following successful UK relaunch
- UK - Cheez-It 120g sharing format coming on July 21st.
TREND ALERT / interesting stuff
US - One Trick Pony solves natural peanut butter's biggest problem with inverted jar design
Female-founded brand launches innovative packaging that stores jars upside down, eliminating oil separation issues. The solution addresses the primary barrier preventing consumers from switching to natural alternatives.
Why we care: Smart packaging innovation solving real consumer pain points, this is how smaller brands can compete with giants.
Read more (Allrecipes/Dieline)
US - Pringles and Van Holten's collaborate on Sour Cream & Onion-inspired pickle
Van Holten's Pickle-In-A-Pouch partners with Pringles to create a pickle that captures the iconic Sour Cream & Onion flavor profile. Latest in Van Holten's series of brand collaborations following successful Warheads partnership.
Why we care: Cross-category brand collaborations are creating entirely new snacking experiences. These partnerships show how established flavors can transcend their original formats to capture new occasions.
Read more (Nosh)INDUSTRY NEWS
Global - Ferrero acquires WK Kellogg for $3.1 billion in major industry consolidation
Nutella maker Ferrero purchases cereal giant WK Kellogg for $23 per share, bringing Froot Loops, Frosted Flakes, and Special K under its umbrella. Deal expected to close second half of 2025.
Why we care: Massive consolidation continues reshaping our supplier landscape. Ferrero's North American expansion strategy could create new opportunities—or challenges—for our distribution partnerships.
Read more (Food Business News)
