Sabert's De Genova on QSR trends for 2026

The cruise industry is navigating a new wave of demand: exceptional plant-based dining at scale. As highlighted by P&O Cruises' new partnership with BOSH!, scaling delicious, consistent plant-based options across a massive fleet presents a formidable innovation challenge—from ingredient sourcing to menu development. This collaboration underscores a critical trend: success hinges on optimizing flavor and streamlining execution. This is where AI and digital tools become indispensable. Imagine reducing reliance on costly, time-consuming physical prototyping by simulating flavor profiles virtually, or instantly identifying sustainable, scalable ingredient alternatives that meet strict culinary and operational standards. At PlantLink, we're transforming this vision into reality. Our AI-powered platform acts as a virtual sensory lab and innovation hub, empowering manufacturers to de-risk and accelerate development. By connecting ingredient suppliers with manufacturers and facilitating co-manufacturing partnerships, we simplify the entire journey from concept to scaled production—ensuring the next big plant-based dish is not only delicious but also commercially viable. How do you see AI reshaping the timeline and sustainability of new product development in the food industry? Can technology bridge the gap between culinary creativity and large-scale manufacturing constraints? Discover how PlantLink empowers confident innovation. Explore our platform to see how AI-driven flavor simulation, smart sourcing, and partnership connections can accelerate your projects: https://lnkd.in/gT-PkyWJ. For more on the industry shift, see the article: https://lnkd.in/gS3UQdYR #PlantBasedInnovation #FoodTech #SustainableFood #AIInFood #FlavorScience

The food ideas that matter this year will not come from chasing more trends. They will come from asking harder questions earlier. What consumer problem is this product actually solving? What competition are we really up against beyond the current shelf set? What evidence will convince a category buyer to expand space? Is the portfolio designed for true consumer reach or internal convenience? Taste Trail CPG Advisors works with brands across food and beverage to pressure test these questions before teams commit time, money, and shelf risk. Where do you see the biggest disconnect today, strategy, innovation process, or sell in?

Last week's event, "Collaboration: The Key to Unlocking Manufacturing Value," highlighted the growing interest across various sectors of the UK economy. I was particularly intrigued by insights from Karen Betts and Wil Schoenmakers regarding the Food & Drink Industry's significant contribution to the economy and the recently published report, "Future Factory: Supercharging Digital Innovation in Food and Drink Manufacturing." The report reveals an untapped opportunity of up to £14 billion growth in the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. To realise these productivity gains, investment in AI, digital technology, and automation will be crucial. It was encouraging to see the The Food and Drink Federation officially partnering with the team behind The Quorum Principle, which brings a much needed capability to help unlock organisational silo's that may be holding some manufacturers back from achieving their full potential. https://lnkd.in/e5yfhjWp Arash Ghazanfari Henry Anson The Manufacturer Lee Larter International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT) MTC - Manufacturing Technology Centre Andrew Armstrong CSA Nick Leeder Tetra Pak Sandeep Chillakuru

Brewing Tradition Meets Digital Innovation Amanosato Brewery in Japan has integrated our EM | echo-V (EM4425) dual-frequency RFID chip (NFC + RAIN) into its flagship craft sake “Aru-Yoi.” This initiative transforms sake into a connected experience, enabling consumers to: • Verify authenticity and tamper status • Discover the brewer’s story and local ingredients • Access pairing tips and exclusive content • Benefit from Digital Product Passport (DPP) compliance for sustainability and traceability Together with Daiwa Computer Co Ltd and RFID plus One, we’re creating a digital ecosystem that connects makers and drinkers, preserving tradition while embracing innovation. Paving the way for a new standard of transparency and engagement in the craft beverage world.

🚀🥤 “Innovation in 2026 won’t come from louder launches, it’ll come from smarter ones.” Five major forces are shaping beverage innovation, including functionality, format changes, sustainability and sharper brand storytelling 📦🌱🧠. The brands winning next year will focus on relevance instead of noise 🔥📈. Which of these trends are you actively building into your roadmap? Read more: https://lnkd.in/gKrCC37p #BeverageInnovation #FutureOfDrinks #ConsumerTrends #BrandStrategy #VendorLife #BEVedu

Trends discussions have been circulating as 2025 closes out and #bakers and consumers alike look to 2026. According to Margaret Schneider, product manager of #sourdough and #grains at Puratos, this isn’t the year to slow down on innovation; it’s quite the opposite. Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/49AJyAg

🌱 AGORA Sustainability Supplier Advisory Council Spotlight Series Featuring: Custom Culinary This week, we’re featuring Custom Culinary, who are turning sustainability into a core ingredient of their business. Their focus on cleaner labels, responsibly sourced ingredients, and waste-reducing manufacturing processes is helping operators serve flavorful, globally inspired dishes with a smaller environmental footprint. Their leadership shows how culinary craftsmanship and sustainability can work hand in hand. 💡 Learn more about Custom Culinary: https://lnkd.in/gUJB8f-j 💡 Learn more about AGORA: https://lnkd.in/gyGYHtmd #Sustainability #SupplierSpotlight #Collaboration #ResponsibleSupplyChains #CoalitionForChange

🚀🥤 “Innovation in 2026 won’t come from louder launches, it’ll come from smarter ones.” Five major forces are shaping beverage innovation, including functionality, format changes, sustainability and sharper brand storytelling 📦🌱🧠. The brands winning next year will focus on relevance instead of noise 🔥📈. Which of these trends are you actively building into your roadmap? Read more: https://lnkd.in/ghDUC7Nk #BeverageInnovation #FutureOfDrinks #ConsumerTrends #BrandStrategy #VendorLife #BEVedu

🎄𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 & 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐔𝐊 - 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰🎄 Our December edition is packed with innovation, sustainability insights and strategic developments shaping the food and drink sector for 2026. From digital transformation and engineering optimisation to global events and circular packaging solutions, this issue brings together leading companies driving progress across the industry. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 & 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 Harford Control Ltd • Schmersal Group • Parkside • Durham Box Company Limited • Falconer Print & Packaging Ltd • Yorkshire Packaging Systems • GO-PAK UK LIMITED & SCG Packaging • Marketpoint Recall • Smart Food Safe : Quality & Food Safety Management Software • Minebea Intec • Brands2Life • Curious Heads Media • FINN Partners • firstlight • Greenhouse Communications • Marbles PR • Tunley Environmental • Islamic Chamber Halal Services • Messe Berlin • FRUIT LOGISTICA • Sustainable Food Factory 2026 • Food+Beverage Engineering 2026 • 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 & 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 • IFE Manufacturing • IFE, International Food & Drink Event • The Pub Show • Hospitality Tech360 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 – Command & signalling innovation for food processing – Success factors for paperless manufacturing – London Halal Forum positions the UK as a global hub – FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026 preview – Packaging advancements from Durham Box and Falconer – Go-Pak UK’s closed-loop OCC recycling scheme – ESRS E5 explained: turning circularity data into strategy – AI-led recall predictions for 2026 – Global food safety innovation 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Kimberley Read – kimberley@foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk Joanne Murphy – joanne@foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 https://lnkd.in/eRPpnE2y #FoodandDrinkUK #UKFoodIndustry #Sustainability #FoodTech #PackagingInnovation #CircularEconomy #ManufacturingInnovation #FoodSafety

Why the Future of Food is Mobile & Sustainable The food industry is changing — and FOOD 9X is built for what’s next. 🔹 Low-cost, scalable food truck model 🔹 Multiple menu concepts in one unit (9-in-1) 🔹 Strong focus on sustainability & efficiency This is where innovation meets real demand. A smart business model designed for growth, impact, and long-term value. The future of food isn’t just in restaurants — it’s on the move. 🚀 #FoodStartup #ImpactInvestment #FoodInnovation #ScalableBusiness #Food9X