The world is waking up to the financial, social and environmental costs of food waste.  A third of all food produced each year is lost or wasted, and 45% of root crops, fruit and vegetables never make it to the plate, according to Stop Food Waste Day data. These...

France loves it, Italy’s banned it, and Germany is trying to gain greater control over it. We are, of course, talking about Nutri-Score.  The front-of-pack nutrition labelling system is used across Europe to help consumers make healthier choices. At one point, it was...

Most of us need a quick energy boost from time to time, but it’s not always coffee we reach for. Sometimes a can of Red Bull or Monster hits the spot – and for a long time, these brands have dominated the energy drink sector.   But now the tide is turning. Rather than...

Is your brand selling in Asia or are you considering moving into Asia? Either way, it’s critical you keep up with the latest food industry regulations.  To save you hours of research, Hooley Brown has rounded up the most important new food laws in the pacific region:...

In today’s competitive sales environment, expanding into new markets can be the best way to drive growth. International regions provide new audiences, and competition levels are often lower than on home soil.  But the path to international expansion is paved with...

If you’re a beauty brand selling products in the USA, pay close attention. The FDA has made its biggest update to cosmetics regulations in almost 100 years – and it’s going to impact how personal care companies manage product compliance and packaging/labelling.  To...

How many times a day do you open some form of packaging? From flipping the lid on your shampoo bottle each morning to unscrewing the toothpaste cap at bedtime, we interact with products without noticing. At least, most of us do.  For the one billion people worldwide...

Keeping your products compliant with the latest industry legislation is easier said than done. Especially if you’re selling internationally.  To make life a little easier, Hooley Brown has put together a round-up of key food and beverage legislation coming into force...

It’s been a year of adapting to new challenges for the food industry, from HFSS laws in the UK to ingredient shortages worldwide. Yet despite these challenges, many food and drink brands have grown significantly in 2022. They feel confident and ready to launch even...

Few sectors move as quickly as beauty and personal care. We’ve covered some of 2022’s biggest beauty product trends – from reef-safe sunscreen to collagen supplements – on our blog. And we’re always looking out for challenger brands disrupting the beauty industry....

In an ideal world, we’d all get enough nutrients from the food we eat to feel energised and healthy. But sometimes we need a little extra help. The food supplement industry is booming: up to three-quarters of adults take dietary supplements daily, and many consumers...

For many CPG companies, compliance is seen as a ‘necessary evil’. Essential for meeting legal requirements, but not always conducive to growth. And for emerging and scale-up businesses, employing someone to manage regulation can be a major expense.  But product...

Once upon a time, kids (and kids at heart) had one decision to make: chocolate or picture advent calendar. Not anymore! Alternative advent calendars have exploded in recent years. Which is great news if you’ve got allergies, or you don’t have a particularly sweet...

With nearly two billion children in the world, the kids’ meal and snack category is a very lucrative market. But it’s also very competitive. Brands need to be the healthiest, most transparent and best branded to capture parental spend.  We’ve come a long way since...

Halloween is the scariest night of the year. But you don’t want to frighten yourself with an allergic reaction to your costume makeup.  Using face-safe cosmetics is essential – especially if you’re creating spooky looks for children. Unfortunately, there are ghoulish...

Language localisation is an essential component of packaging and labelling compliance. Consumers need to understand what they’re buying from you in order to build a safe, trusted relationship.  However, creating separate packaging designs for every market you want to...

With up to 10% of children and adults experiencing allergies and food hypersensitivities, accurate labelling is critical to food safety. But while mandatory allergen labelling sets clear guidelines for pre-packaged products, precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) is...

It’s hard to find a bigger recent food trend than fermentation. In Western Europe, fermented food and drink sales are increasing by 38% yearly, and the market will grow by 6.35% CAGR between now and 2027.  Fermentation isn’t a new process, and fermented products...

With every consumer goods launch comes an accompanying user manual. For some sectors, such as electronics and toys, user guides are a legal requirement. For others, they’re a useful way to help people assemble and use your products correctly.  Yet, given user manuals'...

Authenticity is a word that’s used a lot in product marketing. Rather than selling a dream, brands have seen the power of selling consumers their reality. But they can’t build an authentic relationship on promotional hype.  As consumers become more curious about where...

Does animal welfare impact the way people shop? Yes, research suggests – and people want greater clarity over the conditions in which livestock are reared.  A Compassion in World Farming study has found that 68% of consumers would welcome animal welfare labels on the...

Imagine this: you’ve devised a great idea for a new product. You’ve invested time and money into developing it. Finally, you’re ready to go into production when you carry out a final implementation check… and discover the labelling is non-compliant, so all your...

After decades of convenience being king, consumers are paying more attention to the environmental impact of their food choices. So far, the sustainable food movement has been driven by plant-based products, with over 79 million people now following a vegan diet. But...

Many households are on a mission to live more sustainably, and eco-friendly cleaning products are an easy and effective switch. The UK laundry industry alone is responsible for producing nearly 11,000 tonnes of plastic packaging each year, while consumers are waking...

Whether you’re a food, beverage or beauty brand, compliance is a cornerstone of your company’s success. And increasingly, brands are seeing the value of enlisting someone to focus on industry legislation.  But should that person be a full-time hire, or would your...

Consumer attitudes to sunscreen have changed significantly in the past forty years. Sitting in the midday sun, slathered in tanning oil has been replaced by high SPFs and shade for most people. So it’s little surprise that the sun care industry’s value will surpass...

When we talk to CPG brands, one question they often ask is why they need a compliance agency. Isn’t a translation agency enough? What’s the difference between what a translation company does and what you do?  Then we explain the key differences, and they quickly see...

Food and beverage brands are constantly seeking new ways to stand out in a crowded market. New products and formats. New ingredients and flavours. Watching and adapting to market trends, while introducing consumers to something different.  One of the major current...

Nothing gets in the way of a sweet tooth it appears. Not even a global pandemic. Over the past two years, sugar confectionery sales have grown steadily, with experts predicting that global market value will reach $69.5 billion by 2026.  “If you look at the remarkable...

Ten years ago, turning down an alcoholic drink might have raised eyebrows. And the choice of beverages on offer to non-drinkers were sugary soft drinks or a couple of alcohol-free lagers. But times have changed.  Today, consumers are much more mindful of their...

Company credentials matter to consumers. Recent research found that 62% of people choose which brand of food and drink to buy based on their attitude to sustainability, while 35% will only interact with responsible brands.  To help shoppers make sustainable choices,...

As the clock counts down to 1st October 2022, many food and beverage brands are racing to reformulate their products outside HFSS restrictions. But reducing the salt, fat and sugar content of the UK’s favourite foods is easier said than done.  How can brands update...

Nobody expects to look young forever. But many people feel uncomfortable with the visible signs of ageing – and want to explore ways to maintain their youthful appearance as long as possible.  The latest trending ingredient in the battle against ageing is collagen....

Staying in is the new going out – at least when it comes to food. The takeaway market has never been stronger.  Forget choosing between Indian and Chinese; almost every type of cuisine can now be delivered to people’s doors. And consumer appetite for food-to-go is...

The food and beverage sector is preparing for its biggest shake-up in years with the roll-out of promotional restrictions on products high in saturated fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) this October.  Following our introduction to what HFSS is and how it will impact food...

Pets are central to our families. 6 in 10 households have at least one domestic animal, with dogs, cats and rabbits the most popular furry friends. And our love for these creatures runs deep: half of owners admit to loving their pet more than their partner! ...

New government guidelines are due to come into force in October 2022 that will place limitations on the promotion of products containing high levels of fat, sugar and salt. But recent research by YouGov has revealed that 70% of food and drink companies aren’t prepared...

It’s hard to remember a time when gin wasn’t one of the UK’s most popular spirits, but back in the early 2000s it had fallen out of favour. Sacred Spirits was among the artisan brands leading gin’s renaissance – capturing the essence of a true ‘London spirit’ through...

There’s a well-documented relationship between what we eat and how we feel. And many CPG brands have built successful sales strategies on promoting the physical health benefits of consuming their products. But what about mental health?  With global stress levels at an...

Women drive the world’s economy, influencing up to 85% of consumer spending. But this isn’t mirrored on the business side of transactions: currently, only 1 in 3 entrepreneurs are female.  The number of women-owned businesses is rising, but the CPG industry needs to...

What makes customers loyal to a brand? Of course, product quality plays a huge role. But when consumers are presented with a choice, brand loyalty is often built on a compelling tone of voice. Many industry leaders and market disruptors have grown their audience on a...

We all want to know what goes into our food, and product packaging is a natural first place to look for reassurance. But nutrition information isn’t always easy to interpret.  This is more than just frustrating; unclear instructions can put people with specialist...

For many CPG companies, compliance is seen as a ‘necessary evil’. Essential for meeting legal requirements, but not always conducive to growth. And for emerging and scale-up businesses, employing someone to manage regulation can be a major expense.  But product...

We’re living in a world full of chocoholics. According to industry figures, we just can’t get enough of the sweet stuff – with global chocolate sales set to grow to $169 billion by 2026.  Buoyant sales prospects mean more companies than ever want a chunk of the...

Few product categories are growing quicker than CBD. The global cannabidiol market surpassed $7.1 billion in 2020 and is forecast to reach $10.8 billion by 2027, as more consumers embrace its suggested anti-inflammatory properties and calming effects.  But while CBD...

Food is a trends-driven industry – and one of the biggest trends in recent years has been infusing products with CBD. From chewing gum to coffee, chocolate to potato chips, the range of goods containing cannabidiol is innovative and diverse.  But while brand interest...

Product innovation and compliance are intrinsically linked; you can’t go to market without meeting local legislation. But many food and beverage brands treat these two business areas as separate entities  – only bringing in regulatory support in the final stages...

Consuming less meat has become a popular New Year’s resolution, and many people explore plant-based eating by taking part in Veganuary. But while intentions are good, many consumers struggle to embrace veganism when Veganuary ends on January 31st because unclear...

Few markets move faster than beauty and personal care – which leaves brands with the choice between setting trends and following them.  As experts in labelling and packaging compliance, we’re fascinated by how cosmetics and skincare companies innovate in line changing...

Consumer tastes are constantly changing, as we’ve seen in our preview of 2022’s hottest food trends. For food and beverage companies, this provides continuous opportunities to create new products and expand current ranges. But which fast-growing food brands will...

Christmas is the busiest time of year for global toy sales, and online shopping has made it easier than ever to buy the perfect present. Consumers can purchase any product they want from anywhere in the world, which is great for gift lists – but there are major safety...

When it comes to food and nutrition trends, the ketogenic way of eating is a defining food movement of the past five years. Keto is now the most searched-for diet on Google, helped by high-profile advocates including Kourtney Kardashian, LeBron James and Halle...

With consumers spoilt for choice, continuous product innovation is critical to keeping their attention – and spend. As a result, food and beverage brands are always looking for the next superfood or must-add ingredient to boost sales.  As we wave goodbye to 2021,...

With over 200 million people worldwide suffering from food allergies, clear product labelling is a critical issue. Making a mistake or omitting allergen information isn’t just inconvenient to the consumer; it can trigger a potentially deadly reaction.  To protect...

Organic products are a major growth industry. Already worth more than $255 billion worldwide, analysts predict that organic food and beverage sales will exceed $849 billion by 2028.  But CPG brands looking to get a foothold in organic, or who want to increase your...

World leaders and corporate powerhouses convened in Glasgow this month for COP26; the most important climate change event in a generation. And many food and beverage brands recognised this conference as the perfect moment to make serious commitments to...

Meat-free and plant-based meals and snacks are one of the fastest rising food revenue opportunities. And while many purchasers are people who want to make more eco-friendly choices, a significant percentage are fully practising vegans and vegetarians.  But committed...

When it comes to brand loyalty in beauty, environmental credentials make a big difference.  Over three quarters of consumers are now focussed on buying sustainably made cosmetics. Yet, according to a recent survey, 7 in 10 find current sustainability claims unhelpful...

How many times have you taken food out of the fridge or cupboard, seen that it’s out of date and put it straight in the bin or food waste – without actually checking whether it still looks and smells good to eat? Most of us are guilty of doing this at some point, if...

Product labelling needs to work hard – and now there are even more demands being placed on it.  In addition to catching the consumer’s eye, educating people on what the product is, and including all the necessary compliance information, front-of-pack designs need to...

2020 was a massive year for subscription box sales. As the shutters went down on retail stores, the pandemic created a surge in home deliveries. And with many consumers happy to sign up for purchases on a monthly basis, it’s easy to see why more brands than ever...

In recent years, we’ve seen sustainability shift from a long-term corporate objective to a critical company policy. Brands now realise that their environmental approach has a massive impact on customer relationships and their bottom line. As shoppers push companies to...

From sheet masks to 10-step skincare routines, Korean beauty has evolved from a niche industry to a global cosmetics phenomenon. And understandably, many western brands are keen to enter the market.  But whether they’re looking to take the secrets of K-Beauty to...

What do Benedict Cumberbatch, Natalie Portman and Ariana Grande have in common? Apart from being talented, successful, and incredibly famous, they’re all vegan. And it’s not just celebrities that are eschewing animal products.  Over the past decade, veganism has...

The global pandemic gave consumers time to think about their values. For many people, reducing their environmental footprint came high on the list. McKinsey research found that households used lockdown as an opportunity to change their behaviour and increase their...

"Call it Gary or something. Just don't call it cheese. Because it's not cheese!" Anyone who’s active on social media will remember the Gary debacle from 2016, when a woman’s complaint about naming a dairy-free vegan product ‘cheese’ went viral on Facebook.  Five years...

The direct to consumer (DTC) market is booming and clearly here to stay.  While the global pandemic has caused intense pressure for FMCG brands, it has also created the perfect storm for building direct customer relationships.  With non-essential retail stores closed...

Going direct to consumer is incredibly liberating for brands, giving them complete autonomy over customer relationships. Plus, they’ve got carte blanche when it comes to packaging and labelling design. While retail distribution is focussed around standing out on a...

It’s not just food, beverages and cosmetics that are guided by consumer trends and external forces. The cleaning product industry is also shaped by market influences: just look at what Instagram ‘clean queen’ Mrs Hinch has done for Zoflora sales. One of the fastest...

Back in 2006, a fledgling social media channel called YouTube was starting to gather momentum. To create new content for the site, video production company Aradius Media Network decided to film a “ceremonial opening” of the new Nokia E61 mobile phone… and the unboxing...

If you’ve got a Netflix subscription, you’ve probably seen Seaspiracy pop up in your recommendations. The documentary, which critiques commercial fishing practices, has been streamed millions of times already – and while there’s controversy surrounding some of its...

Packaging has always been more than just a means of carrying contents. Since the birth of branding, it’s been used as a tool to build consumer relationships. From increasing loyalty through visual recognition, to creating opportunities to interact via giveaways and...

The everyday choices that people make have become an issue of global importance. In 2015, the United Nations committed to reducing premature deaths from noncommunicable disease by a third before 2030 – and lifestyle factors like an unhealthy diet can increase the risk...