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January in review: Infant formula crisis, cultivated meat collapse, EU trade deals
January in review: Infant formula crisis, cultivated meat collapse, EU trade deals
In January 2026, a major recall of infant formula products unfolded across multiple countries due to contamination. The crisis, initially involving Nestlé, spread to other major companies like Lactalis and Danone, affecting a range of formula brands. The EU-Mercosur agreement sparked debate over its impact on European food supply chains, while the EU-India trade deal promised to slash tariffs on Indian exports, such as spices, tea, and processed foods.
ISM 2026 live: Roquette explores texture science behind plant-based and sugar-free jellies
ISM 2026 live: Roquette explores texture science behind plant-based and sugar-free jellies
Jelly confectionery formulations require a careful balance of taste, texture, and mouthfeel. At the ongoing ISM 2026 trade show in Cologne, Germany (Feb 1-4), Roquette is discussing the science behind soft confectionery texture, with a spotlight on plant-based, sugar-free jellies, using its sensory analysis tool.
Cargill: Shaping sustainability through strategic food partnerships
Cargill: Shaping sustainability through strategic food partnerships

In this interview with Geert Maesmans, VP of R&D at Cargill, we dive into the company’s cutting-edge solutions at the European Innovation Center in Vilvoorde, Belgium. From pioneering food technologies and impactful partnerships to a commitment to sustainability, discover how Cargill is helping shape the future of food for a more sustainable and connected global food ecosystem.

F&B ingredients industry 2025: Most read stories
F&B ingredients industry 2025: Most read stories
F&B ingredients trends centered on health, sustainability, and affordability. From plant-based advancements and gut health to the rising importance of protein and stress relief, industry leaders responded to shifting consumer needs. Key highlights included new developments in alternative proteins, gene-editing technologies, and supply chain regulations, with brands embracing transparency, flavor innovation, and functional ingredients for competitive advantage. We look back at the year’s top read stories.
Defending dairy: European Commission hits back at China over “questionable allegations”
Defending dairy: European Commission hits back at China over “questionable allegations”
24 Sep 2024 --- The European Commission (EC) has launched a consultation request at the World Trade Organization (WTO), challenging China’s initiation of an anti-subsidy investigation against imports of some EU dairy products. This marks the first time the EU has challenged an investigation at its initiation stage and aims to defend the interests of the EU dairy industry and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) against “abusive proceedings” from China.

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ISM 2026 live: Valio highlights AI-driven, high-protein “permissible...
ISM 2026 live: Valio highlights AI-driven, high-protein “permissible indulgence” in dairy innovations
Finnish dairy firm Valio is spotlighting the “permissible indulgence” megatrend at the ongoing ISM 2026 in Cologne, Germany (Feb 1-4), as consumers increasingly scan market shelves for F&B products that combine pleasure and positive nutrition.
USDA trade mission tests landmark Indonesia deal as US exporters eye US$67B...
USDA trade mission tests landmark Indonesia deal as US exporters eye US$67B food market
US dairy, wheat, and grain exporters are set to benefit from the elimination of tariffs and licensing barriers that have long complicated access to Southeast Asia’s largest economy — Indonesia — as a US trade delegation composed of 41 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from four state departments of agriculture, arrives in Jakarta this week. The US-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, announced in July 2025 and recently signed, exempts US food and agricultural products from two major regulatory barriers: Indonesia’s commodity balance policy, which capped imports at government-estimated shortfalls in domestic supply, and its import licensing regimes, which required pre-shipment inspections, ministry approvals, and facility-by-facility certification before US products could enter the market. 
Absolut and Tabasco unite for spicy vodka as consumers crave heat
Absolut and Tabasco unite for spicy vodka as consumers crave heat
Absolut Vodka and Tabasco are launching a co-branded spicy vodka, combining the Swedish distiller’s premium spirit with a natural essence derived from the fermented, aged red pepper mash used in Tabasco sauce.Absolut Tabasco will roll out from February 2026 across more than 50 markets, including the US and UK, as demand for heat in the spirits category continues to climb. Sales of spicy vodka are forecast to increase 27% by 2029, according to the companies. 
ISM 2026 live: Cocoa volatility reshapes chocolate innovation as alternatives...
ISM 2026 live: Cocoa volatility reshapes chocolate innovation as alternatives go global
ISM 2026 is underway in Cologne, Germany, amid one of the most turbulent periods the cocoa market has seen in decades. The world’s largest confectionery trade fair — featuring 1,656 exhibitors from 71 countries and an expected 37,500 trade visitors — arrives 12 months after cocoa prices hit record highs. Prices have since crashed more than 50%, but the industry is still accelerating investment in cocoa-free solutions and reformulation strategies for long-term resilience.

On the show floor, Food Ingredients First speaks with key suppliers, including Cargill and Planet A Foods, a commercial partner of Barry Calleubaut, to understand what’s driving innovation in chocolate and cocoa alternatives, how manufacturers are responding to ongoing volatility, and what trends are shaping the confectionery landscape. 
Financial firms unveil automatic payouts for weather-hit farmers in Europe
Financial firms unveil automatic payouts for weather-hit farmers in Europe
A consortium of banking and insurance firms has launched a parametric service designed to automatically reimburse farmers when extreme weather prevents them from using their equipment, with a phased rollout beginning in Spain this month. The service monitors pre-agreed weather thresholds through independent satellite data. When excess rainfall or drought conditions are detected, farmers automatically receive a payment equivalent to one monthly finance installment without needing to file a claim or submit documentation. 
World Cancer Day 2026: Danone calls nutrition essential to fight...
World Cancer Day 2026: Danone calls nutrition essential to fight disease-related malnutrition

Nutrition Insight

On today’s World Cancer Day, Danone becomes the first food business joining forces with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to advocate for nutritional care’s recognition as an essential component of cancer treatment while strengthening workplace protections for its employees with a diagnosis. Cancer-related malnutrition is a “prevalent yet overlooked challenge” in oncology, underscores the global group. It finds that up to 70% of people living with cancer experience malnutrition, negatively impacting treatment effectiveness and recovery.
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Food Ingredients News
January in review: Infant formula crisis, cultivated meat...
In January 2026, a major recall of infant formula products unfolded across multiple countries due to contamination. The crisis, initially involving Nestlé, spread to other major companies like Lactalis and Danone, affecting a range of formula brands. The EU-Mercosur agreement sparked debate over its impact on European food supply chains, while the EU-India trade deal promised to slash tariffs on Indian exports, such as spices, tea, and processed foods.
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Regulatory News
Nestlé, Lactalis & Danone face court action over infant...
Dutch consumer watchdog Foodwatch has filed a criminal complaint in Paris, France, naming seven infant formula manufacturers — Nestlé, Lactalis, Danone, Vitagermine (Babybio), Hochdorf, La marque en moins, and Granarolo — over their handling of a global contamination crisis. The complaint, filed “against X” under French procedure, opens an investigation that could expand to include food safety authorities. Eight affected families have reportedly joined the complaint to date. 
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Food Ingredients News
Middle East F&B trends: Mars Gulf and Yook reveal regional...
The Middle East poses unique challenges for F&B manufacturers. Logistical pressures and extreme heat make shelf life extension crucial, while evolving regulations further complicate operations for businesses looking to thrive in or export to the region. Studies show that climate change — including heatwaves and desertification — has profound effects on food availability and the resilience of the food supply chain in the Middle East.  The reliable distribution of heat‑sensitive products such as dairy and seafood is a priority, driving the expansion of the cold storage market to US$18.3 billion.

Ingredient focus

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Enhanced mouthfeel experiencesFeb2026

Data from Innova Market Insights shows that consumers are increasingly curious about texture when selecting indulgent F&B. They are drawn to smooth, creamy textures while also exploring sensory ex...

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Sweetener trends & insights: Opportunities for calorie-conscious innovation Feb 2026

Innova Market Insights reveals that nearly half of consumers globally are turning to sweeteners to satisfy their sweet cravings while aiming to reduce their calorie intake. This growing demand for lower-calorie options is fueling innovation in the sweetener market, presenting new opportunities for the development of novel sweetener solutions in F&B products.

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Maintenance AleFeb 2026

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Maintenance Ale 28 01
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Cargill: Shaping sustainability through strategic food partnerships
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Cargill: How AI and consumer insights are shaping future food innovation
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