fran.padgham@lionelhitchen.com

About Fran Padgham

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So far Fran Padgham has created 110 blog entries.

Flavour Trends 2026- 2027

2026-02-04T08:39:43+00:00Categories: Food Trends|

Discover the Top Flavour Trends Shaping Food & Beverage in 2026/2027 As consumers navigate a world of cultural fusion, wellness consciousness, and sensory exploration, flavour sits at the heart of every food and beverage experience. The modern palate seeks both excitement and reassurance—flavours that comfort, connect, and surprise in equal measure. Across global markets, 2026/2027

Case Study: Cocoa Reduction

2025-11-18T14:37:15+00:00Categories: Case Studies|Tags: |

Understanding the Cocoa Crisis The current cocoa shortage stems from several converging issues: Climate disruption in West Africa, the world’s primary cocoa-producing region, has led to poor harvests and unpredictable yields. Crop diseases like black pod and swollen shoot virus are ravaging cocoa trees. Supply chain volatility and labour shortages have further strained global

Sober October: Flavour-Forward Trends Redefining the NoLo Experience

2025-10-09T12:36:48+01:00Categories: Beverage, Food Trends|

Sober October continues to gain momentum, reflecting a wider lifestyle shift towards moderation, balance, and mindful consumption. The latest IWSR Global Trends Report highlights NoLo (no- and low-alcohol) beverages as one of the fastest-growing categories, fuelled by premiumisation, wellness-driven choices, and the demand for new drinking occasions. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that combine social

Alcoholic Beverages Trends 2025- 2026

2025-09-30T15:13:54+01:00Categories: Beverage, Food Trends|Tags: |

The global alcoholic beverage industry is undergoing a profound transformation, shaped by evolving consumer expectations, macroeconomic shifts, and cultural dynamics. Following the stagnation during the pandemic years, the market is now bouncing back with renewed energy. A CAGR of 3.8% between 2023 and 2028 is forecasted, led by rising demand for premiumisation, flavour novelty,

Miso Flavour: The Star Ingredient for Taste and Salt Reduction

2025-08-12T15:18:16+01:00Categories: Food Trends|Tags: , |

In the context of contemporary flavour development, our Miso Flavour emerges as a leading ingredient due to its complex savoury profile, characterised by layered umami depth, subtle sweet-salty nuances, and a distinctly authentic taste. Its versatility makes it especially relevant to current formulation challenges, aligning with the growing market demand for umami-rich flavour systems that

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Trends 2025-2026

2025-07-28T15:19:10+01:00Categories: Beverage, Food Trends|Tags: |

Non-alcoholic beverage trends 2025–2026 are driving a major transformation in the industry, fuelled by growing consumer focus on health & wellness, sustainability, functional benefits, and sensory experiences. Today's consumers—particularly Gen Z and Millennials—are increasingly moving away from traditional sugary sodas and alcoholic beverages. Instead, they are gravitating toward drink options that better reflect their holistic

Flavour Trends 2025/2026: What’s on the Horizon?

2025-05-14T17:11:02+01:00Categories: Food Trends|Tags: |

As we look ahead to the culinary landscapes of 2025/2026, a vibrant mix of cultural influences, bold experimentation, and nostalgic reconnections is reshaping the flavour trends. Flavours are not just about taste but are now deeply intertwined with global themes, consumer desires, and emerging narratives in sustainability and wellness. Our report on ‘Flavour

Present Day

2025-05-06T17:10:09+01:00Categories: Timeline|

Today, in conjunction with our distributors, Lionel Hitchen supplies Naturally Fabulous Flavour Ingredients to over 50 countries around the world.

Naturally Delicious: A Guide to Chocolate Trends 2025

2025-03-28T16:26:17+00:00Categories: Confectionery, Food Trends|Tags: , |

Consumer demand for pleasurable, sustainable, and healthy chocolate is rapidly transforming the global confectionery market, with emerging chocolate trends playing a key role in this evolution. Boasting over $130 billion in sales in 2024, this market is projected to expand at a 5.2% CAGR through 2029 (GlobalData). This growth reflects a

Innovating Hydration: The Future of Flavoured Water

2025-08-06T12:15:55+01:00Categories: Beverage, Food Trends|Tags: , , |

In recent years, hydration has evolved from a basic health necessity to a prominent lifestyle trend, reshaping the beverage industry. GlobalData's insights* reveal that water is no longer just a neutral thirst-quencher; it's emerging as the new soft drink, driven by consumers' growing focus on health, wellness, and sustainability. The Rise of Enhanced and Flavoured