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New year, new trends. Ever-evolving consumer demands are keeping both brands and retailers on their toes, leading many to look into their crystal balls and hope they can line up new launches alongside the biggest drivers of consumer food and beverage spending in 2026.

“The way our customers eat will be more dynamic than ever this year as they look to elevate everyday meals, snacks and treats with bold flavors, functional ingredients and culinary creativity, delivering a premium experience for less,” said Ann Reed, Group VP of Our Brands at Kroger, in a press release. 

What do experts believe will steer purchasing behavior this year? 

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Grüns founder Chad Janis announced the launch of Ü Snacks, a broader platform that encompasses additional functional gummy brands including Nütrops, Immün, Jüced and “the many additional innovations coming.” 

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Technology and operations platform Odeko announced today it has acquired Washington, D.C.-based specialty food and beverage distributor District Distribution as it works to build an anchor in the Mid-Atlantic region to access local products and vendors.

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You’ve sampled the headlines. Want the full story? BevNET & Nosh Insider allows you to dive deep into market shifts, brand strategies, competitive benchmarks, and more. It’s how the most successful food and beverage operators stay one step ahead.

Here’s a look at leading headlines from around the food industry. Go beyond the headlines with Insiders access.

1. Once Upon a Farm Aims for $764M IPO Valuation
2. HighKey Cookies Owner Merges With REAL Cookies
3. Little Sesame Unveils State-of-the-Art Factory Near D.C.
4. Non-UPF Verified Enrollment Opens
5. Chicken Feed Cockfight Comes for Vital Farms

After years of building credibility with a core consumer, Zevia is leaning into scale – and confronting what it takes to turn a purpose-driven brand into a durable CPG business. 

CEO Amy Taylor breaks down the executional shifts across product, pricing and packaging that are helping Zevia compete more effectively in mainstream retail and position the brand for sustainable, long-term growth.

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