
The F&F industry has elements that still blow my mind… especially when it comes to the perfumery and cosmetics side of the business. This article is touching that: How Squishmallows Fragrances Bottled A Billion-Dollar Toy Franchise.
A Squishmallows Fragrances product sells every seven seconds at Ulta Beauty, the equivalent of more than 4.5 million units annually. — Independent Beauty
That process, from whatever the natural resource and origin is, to create scents and experiences that reflect “Whisked Away, Pink Possibilities and Moonlit Mist” to name a few… is why I love this industry. It has an impact on so many aspects of life.
And yes, you can ridicule this, but it is business… big business.
If not your category, then still a worthy lesson to look and listen outside your own echo chamber, and get inspired to think differently.
Sincerely
Jan van Iperen · ectus
— – - JUICE & BEVERAGE NEWS - – —
Lotza is a fruit-forward soda designed for social gatherings, emphasizing bold flavors and functional ingredients. It targets specific drinking occasions, making it suitable for parties and celebrations. The product aims to enhance the beverage experience by combining taste with functionality, appealing to consumers looking for more than just traditional soda options. Lotza represents a trend towards innovative, occasion-specific beverages in the market.
Microplastics have been detected in baby food pouches produced by Nestlé and Danone, prompting significant concerns regarding packaging safety and industry standards. The discovery has intensified calls for reform and increased transparency within the food packaging sector. This situation highlights the urgent need for manufacturers to address potential health risks associated with microplastics in food products, particularly those intended for infants.
Food manufacturers are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in new product development (NPD), with the methods of application evolving rapidly. This shift is transforming how companies innovate and create food products, indicating a significant trend in the industry. The integration of AI technologies is expected to enhance efficiency and drive advancements in product offerings, reflecting a broader movement towards digital transformation in food manufacturing.
McDonald's has introduced a new pickle juice sports drink specifically designed for professional athletes in New Zealand. This product is part of the company's latest innovation in the beverage market, focusing on the unique benefits of pickle juice for hydration and recovery. The drink is exclusively available to athletes, emphasizing McDonald's commitment to catering to this specific consumer segment with targeted offerings.
Europe's kids food and beverage market is evolving, with a focus on healthier, safer, and more convenient options for families. This shift includes a range of products such as organic baby food, functional snacks, and on-the-go drinks. The demand for clean-label nutrition and premium products is driving this next wave of growth in the sector, reflecting changing consumer preferences and priorities.
Jell-O is launching a new line of products that will not contain synthetic colors or artificial sweeteners. This decision is driven by the growing consumer demand for natural ingredients in food products. The company aims to align its offerings with the preferences of health-conscious consumers, reflecting a broader trend in the food industry towards more natural and less processed ingredients.
Non-carbonated alcoholic beverages, such as Surfside and BeatBox, are increasingly capturing market share from hard seltzers, especially among Gen Z consumers. This shift indicates a changing preference in the beverage market, where non-carbonated options are gaining popularity and attention. As these drinks rise in prominence, they are becoming a significant competitor to traditional hard seltzers, altering the landscape of alcoholic beverage consumption.
Pressed Juicery, known for its plant-based smoothies, fresh juices, and açai bowls, is expanding its presence across the United States. CEO Justin Nedelman discussed the brand's growth and its efforts to respond to consumer pricing during an appearance on Market Domination. The company emphasizes its commitment to being the "cleanest" beverage brand available in stores, highlighting its focus on quality ingredients.
— – - CITRUS NEWS - – —
The California and Florida citrus industries exhibit distinct differences, which are highlighted through annual survey responses from growers. These responses reveal varying perspectives and challenges faced by the two regions. The ongoing comparison underscores the unique characteristics and evolving dynamics within each state's citrus sector, impacting production practices and market strategies. Such insights are crucial for understanding the broader trends affecting the citrus market overall.
Chilean citrus is projected to achieve six percent growth for its 2026 campaign, marking the fourth consecutive year of expansion in the sector. Mandarins are identified as the leading product in industry exports, contributing significantly to this growth trend. The continued increase reflects the ongoing positive performance of the Chilean citrus market, demonstrating resilience and potential for further development in the coming years.
Louisiana citrus farming is encountering significant challenges from storms and disease, jeopardizing its historical legacy. To address these issues, programs such as Fruit Under Screened Environments are being implemented to protect trees from pests and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, research conducted at LSU's Docville Farm focuses on developing healthier, disease-resistant citrus varieties and providing clean budwood to support the sustainability of local citrus production.
Want to dive deeper in citrus? Coming in 2026: citrodex.com
— – - RESEARCH - – —
Emerging research from Newcastle University indicates that consuming a daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie, in addition to whole fruits and vegetables, supports nutritional guidelines and may enhance mental wellbeing. The study highlights the potential benefits of fruit juice as part of a balanced diet, suggesting a positive link between fruit intake and mental health outcomes.
Biochar, utilized as a soil conditioner, has shown potential for improving citrus production by enhancing soil diversity. The study indicates that biochar amendment positively affects the diversity of phagotrophic and phototrophic protists in citrus orchard soils. This enhancement occurs through fungal-mediated pathways, addressing the challenges posed by soil acidification, which significantly constrains citrus cultivation worldwide. The findings suggest biochar's role in sustainable agriculture practices.
Foam mat drying presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional drying methods like drum and spray drying for aqueous foods. This technique is particularly beneficial for mandarin juice powder production, as mandarin fruits are gaining economic value due to their rich nutritional content, ease of marketing, and convenient peeling. Additionally, various mandarin varieties ripen at different times, enhancing their market potential.
Anaemia is prevalent among females, mainly due to iron deficiency, which can be addressed through iron supplementation and improved iron absorption via vitamin C. Guava juice, being rich in vitamin C and other micronutrients, may act as a natural complement to iron therapy. This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the potential benefits of guava juice intake on haemoglobin levels in Indonesian females.
💡 Since November 2014, these daily newsletters have saved tens of thousands professionals countless hours in their daily search for relevant industry information.

