Consumer expectations around what goes into their drinks have changed considerably over recent years. The demand for shorter ingredient lists, recognisable names, natural flavour ingredients and flavours that taste true to the fruit on the label is now a baseline requirement, not a niche preference. Across the food and beverage industry, clean label beverage innovation
John Lee: 25 Years at Lionel Hitchen This year marks an important milestone for John Lee, Senior Business Development Manager & Category Lead, who celebrates 25 years with Lionel Hitchen. Over the course of two and a half decades, John has become a respected and familiar figure within both the company and the wider
Juice Trends: Function Meets Flavour The juice category is no longer just about refreshment. As consumer expectations shift toward health, functionality and convenience, brands are redefining what juice can deliver. As a result, juice is becoming a dynamic space for innovation across formats, ingredients and flavour profiles. At the same time, formulation demands are increasing.
Tropical flavours have long evoked holiday moods and exotic experiences, but their popularity is now extending into everyday food and beverage products. Consumers are increasingly seeking vibrant, fruit-forward profiles, from familiar favourites like mango, pineapple, banana, coconut, watermelon and passionfruit to more distinctive options such as guava, kiwi, papaya, dragon fruit and açaí berry. Alongside these, more niche or
Veganuary has steadily grown into a familiar moment each January, encouraging people to explore plant-based choices in a way that feels approachable rather than restrictive. What began in the UK is now recognised across many countries, making the month a natural opportunity for brands to introduce new concepts and evaluate how consumer preferences are evolving.
Kevin Wrigley: Reflecting on 40 Years at Lionel Hitchen Kevin Wrigley has been with Lionel Hitchen for four decades, a journey that began with solvents and distillation and has taken him through almost every department in the business. His story is one of adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to take on new challenges. Kevin’s
Chilli peppers, those fiery fruits that tantalize our taste buds, have woven themselves into the fabric of global cuisines, offering diverse flavours and aromas that tease and terrify in equal measure. In recent years, a surge in demand for authentic international cuisines has propelled chilli peppers into the spotlight, driving a newfound interest in their
Chilli peppers, those fiery fruits that tantalize our taste buds, have woven themselves into the fabric of global cuisines, offering diverse flavours and aromas that tease and terrify in equal measure. In recent years, a surge in demand for authentic international cuisines has propelled chilli peppers into the spotlight, driving a newfound interest in their
2023 saw a devastating blow to Nigeria's ginger production, with approximately 95 percent of the crop falling victim to an epidemic that emerged in August. Characterised by the sudden yellowing and drying of ginger leaves, this epidemic resulted in the decay of the plant's rhizomes in the soil. An assessment conducted by the Institute of
In the past few years, a dramatic shift has been observed in consumer behaviour towards plant-based alternatives. The reasons behind this change are often related to health and wellness benefits, environmental sustainability, ethical considerations, and the rising prevalence of food allergies. 66% of global consumers cite health as a motivating factor for choosing plant-based alternatives
