Catena Solutions

Innovation in food and beverage is happening everywhere, from new products and packaging to smarter technology, automated processes, and more efficient operations. In this edition of Catena Connections, we’re looking at how companies across the industry are rethinking the way they develop, produce, and deliver products to stay ahead of changing consumer expectations and operational demands.

Great article from Marisa Vrona on coffee industry trends in light of #NationalCoffeeDay. Give it a read!

2027 is already taking shape for the food and beverage industry. Functional benefits, global flavors, value-conscious consumers, and shifting eating habits are creating new opportunities for brands. Which trends do you think will have the biggest impact? Read the full The Food Institute article here: https://lnkd.in/g2DqgQiy

Happy first day of fall! This season, food and beverage brands are leaning into familiar fall flavors while finding ways to make it feel fresh. Think: 🍎 Orchard-inspired flavors like apple, cranberry, and dark fruits 🍁 Toasted, indulgent flavors like maple, brown butter, pecan, and caramel ☕ Warm spices like chai, cinnamon, and gingerbread 🌶️ Contrasting flavors that bring heat, smoke, or bitterness 🫖 Tea-forward flavors like matcha and other blends Recent consumer data suggests pumpkin spice is losing some momentum, while demand is growing for more intense, layered flavor experiences. Even major brands are experimenting beyond the traditional PSL, like McDonald’s leaning more into Caramel Apple Pie for fall 2026. For food and beverage brands, the opportunity isn’t necessarily to leave classic fall flavors behind, it’s to use them as a foundation for something consumers haven’t tasted a dozen times before. What fall flavor are you looking forward to the most?

A classic coffee brand known for its traditional, no-frills approach is joining the functional beverage trend with a new line of coffees. Folgers is launching four functional varieties: Folgers Protein, with 10 grams of whey protein; Folgers Focus, with L-theanine and Lion’s Mane; Folgers Boost, with an added B-vitamin blend; and Folgers Prebiotic, with 3 grams of fiber to support gut health. As consumers look for more from their everyday beverages, Folgers is hoping to bring functional coffee to a broader audience. Full article here: https://lnkd.in/gxFPkU3h

Using AI isn’t the same as having an AI strategy. A global packaging company had AI opportunities emerging across the business but no standardized way to determine which were ready to pursue, how they should be governed, or where to invest first. Catena Solutions helped turn that interest into a structured path forward. The project entailed: 🔹 ~50 AI use cases evaluated across 7 business functions 🔹 24-month AI roadmap developed 🔹 AI governance and operating model established 🔹 Phase 1 pilot defined and scoped for execution 🔹 Reusable AI Pilot Activation Playbook created The overall benefit: A repeatable framework for moving from AI exploration to governed, prioritized execution. Read the full case study: https://lnkd.in/eJgURgtn

Where is purchase intent won in the food and beverage industry? In this Catena Quick Bites video, Digital, Creative & Marketing Practice Director Amy Knigge discusses how brands are building purchase intent earlier in the buyer journey. Watch it today!

Good news, Girl Scout Cookie fans with food allergies: You may finally be able to get in on the fun. Girl Scouts just announced the flavors for its upcoming 2027 Girl Scout Cookie season, and the lineup includes its first-ever allergy-friendly, gluten-free cookie. Named Sparkables, the cookies are a crunchy oatmeal treat made with chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles. Created in partnership with Partake Foods, Sparkables are vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and non-GMO. The cookies will be online-exclusive beginning Jan. 12. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/diy5hRnW

FDA research shows that 48 million Americans (about 1 in 6) get sick from foodborne illnesses each year, leading to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. “Food safety audit failures rarely stem from a single incident,” said Supply Chain Practice Director Geoff Olsen. “They usually result from small, recurring gaps in recordkeeping, training, or preventative maintenance that compound over time.” Learn about the top 5 causes of food safety audit failures and how to prevent them: https://lnkd.in/evNgbVCn

Food safety risks rarely stem from a single issue. Audit gaps, inconsistent practices across facilities, and hazards like dust accumulation can quickly escalate into bigger compliance and operational challenges. In the latest edition of Catena Connections, we explore the risks manufacturers are facing and practical ways to improve consistency, visibility, and control across plant operations. Read it here: