Exports, markets and growth strategies. Taking a food brand into more than 100 countries requires a strategy that balances identity, adaptation to local markets and consistency in positioning. The experience of Fabbri 1905 shows how the heritage of an Italian company can become an international competitive advantage, provided it is supported by innovation, a strong understanding of consumers and the careful selection of business partners.
Foodservice in 2026: brunch, afternoon snacking and aperitivo reshape consumption throughout the day
Longer breakfast hours, brunch, mid-morning snacks, afternoon snacking and aperitivo are playing a growing role in European foodservice. Out-of-home consumption is becoming more evenly spread throughout the day and less tied to the traditional lunch and dinner dayparts.
The new Italian Organic Logo, officially known as the Marchio del biologico italiano, establishes eligibility requirements, application procedures and rules for displaying the logo on packaging and commercial materials. It could also support marketing and communication in international markets by giving producers, distributors and importers an additional tool to highlight the Italian origin of eligible products.
The European Union is simplifying some of the rules governing EU-funded programmes for the promotion of agri-food products. The changes mainly concern the time allowed to conclude contracts, the maximum pre-financing rate and the requirements for reporting programme results.
The precautionary statement "may contain" indicates the possible unintended presence of an allergen that is not part of the product formulation. Its use, however, varies considerably across brands and markets. In some cases, it is supported by a documented risk assessment; in others, it is applied routinely as an additional precaution.
Food & beverage sales in Europe grew by 2.7% in the first four months of 2026, but volume sales remain under pressure. Against this backdrop, smaller pack sizes and more accessible entry price points are becoming strategic tools for increasing sales velocity, reaching a broader customer base and adapting assortments to different channels.
The 2024/2025 production campaign for Pecorino Romano PDO closed with just over 39 million kilograms of cheese. The 47 dairies in the supply chain processed more than 300 million liters of milk, 76% of which was allocated to certified production. The supply chain includes nearly 9,000 sheep farmers and 47 dairies. Sardinia accounts for 92% of total volumes, while cooperatives represent 54% of production.
In the first four months of 2026, EU agri-food trade showed an interesting signal: the surplus remained positive and increased slightly compared with the same period of the previous year, despite a slowdown in exports. According to the European Commission, between January and April 2026 the EU agri-food trade balance reached 15.6 billion euro, up 233 million euro compared with 2025.
The new EU rules on Listeria monocytogenes strengthen controls on ready-to-eat foods, with important implications for producers, importers and distributors, particularly in categories such as sliced cured meats, dairy products, ready meals, chilled prepared foods and processed fish. The key issues are shelf-life, HACCP, environmental monitoring and technical documentation: essential elements for ensuring food safety, regulatory compliance and trust in business relationships with buyers, retailers and international markets that increasingly focus on quality and documented supplier traceability.
The premium segment continues to play an important role in European consumption, but its meaning is changing. Even though the cost of living remains a major concern, consumers are not necessarily giving up high-end products. Instead, they are becoming more selective about when it is worth spending more.
From 30 December 2026, the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products, known as the EUDR, will start to apply to large and medium operators. For most micro and small operators, application is scheduled for 30 June 2027.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published the updated 2026 guidance agenda for its Human Foods Program, outlining the guidance documents under development and the priority areas of interest for the food sector. The document confirms an increasingly clear direction from U.S. regulators, with growing attention to ingredients, food and color additives, chemical contaminants and substances used in food contact materials.
The Italian black truffle sauce market is emerging as one of the most interesting segments in the international premium condiments landscape. According to estimates by Growth Market Reports, the global value of the sector reached 1.22 billion dollars in 2025 and could reach 2.31 billion dollars by 2034, with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 7.3% over the forecast period. In addition to market data, the second part of the article includes a concise guide for buyers, designed to help assess the different product types and how they can be marketed across different sales channels.
From 14 to 16 December 2026, Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center will host Natural World Expo Saudi, an event dedicated to natural, sustainable and wellness-oriented products. The exhibition brings to Saudi Arabia the expertise of GL Middle East, the team behind the Middle East Organic & Natural Products Expo in Dubai, an established event with over 23 years of experience in the organic and natural products sector.
From 16 to 18 November 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre will host the Middle East Organic & Natural Products Expo, a B2B trade event dedicated to organic, natural and halal products. In its 23rd edition the event confirms its role as a strategic trade platform for companies looking to develop new business opportunities across the MENA region and the GCC markets.
From interactive TV to nutrition, recipe and sports apps, from smart carts to connected packaging, food marketing is moving closer to the moments when people choose, buy and consume products. Let us look at the new communication channels and platforms emerging in the food and beverage sector.
- 'Nduja: market growth, new usage occasions and B2B opportunities
- When health-related claims confuse consumers: rethinking wellbeing communication in the food sector
- Flexible production lines: packaging, variable formats and new food retail requirements
- From sport to everyday life: growing interest in electrolyte drinks and products