Weekly Digest #27
02.02.2026
Welcome to The Fork’s Lens
Every week, we serve up a quick, flavourful dose of what’s cooking at the intersection of food, drink, and entrepreneurship.
Expect:
🍴 Sharp founder insights
📊 Bite-sized industry trends
🛠 Tools & tips to level up
🔥 Events & openings worth your time
For those of you building food brands, launching products, or just hungry for what’s next – this one’s for you.
Indulgence, Innovation & Intervention
📨 Weekly #27: Indulgence, Innovation & Intervention
🍴 What’s Up?
Burger brains are officially switched on, pistachio is having its main-character moment, and even oat milk is getting a stern look from the taxman. Meanwhile, coffee is lifting weights and convenience stores are glow-ups away from becoming lifestyle hubs. This week’s food news feels like a group chat where indulgence, regulation, and innovation are all talking at once. And somehow, we’re loving the chaos.
🇬🇧 UK Weekly Spotlight
Gousto creates “UK’s most addictive burger”
The recipe reportedly uses a lab-tested “crave curve” formula, balancing fat, salt, umami and sweetness to maximise repeat orders and social buzz. (The Grocer)M&S goes pistachio crazy for its 2026 Easter range
From pistachio eggs to pistachio-filled hot cross buns, M&S is betting on green indulgence as the new luxury flavour of the season. (The Grocer)Amazon is closing Go and Fresh Stores & doubling down on Now
Amazon is retreating from physical grocery formats in the UK and pushing ultra-fast delivery through its Amazon Now service. (Yahoo Finance)TrueStart Coffee closed a Series A funding round led by JamJar
The functional coffee brand will use the investment to expand retail presence, product lines, and international growth. (The Grocer)Aptamil First Infant Formula is recalled by Danone
The recall was triggered by a potential contamination risk, prompting a nationwide safety alert and retailer pull-back. (Food Standards Agency)Less healthy food rules slashed HFSS sales by two million per day
New placement and promotion restrictions are significantly reducing impulse purchases of high-fat, sugar and salt products. (Food Manufacture)Upcoming sugar tax will now include plant-based milk and dairy alternatives
The government confirmed that sweetened oat, almond and soy drinks will fall under the Soft Drinks Industry Levy. (UK Government)Aldi deploying £370m to reach 1,500 stores in the UK
The discount giant plans aggressive expansion to dominate local and suburban shopping missions across the country. (Retail Gazette)Storrd opens its doors in Camden as modern take on convenience
Storrd has launched its first convenience store in Camden offering a premium take on convenience retail with fresh food, coffee, challenger brands. (Time Out)
📈 Key F&B Themes in 2026
Key F&B Themes in 2026
Protein
30 plant a week
Korean food and ingredients
Gut health
Italian Food
Swavory / Swalty
Whole Foods
Cheese
Functional Drinks
Middle Eastern Food
Dessert inspired Food & Drink
Better Plant-based
Picky Teas and Home dining
Brain Food
Nostalgia and Retro Food and Drink
Sustainability
Tropical Tastes
Pickles
Super Spicy
New Wave Tea & Coffee
Sweet Innovation
Topped and Loaded Food
Supercharged Flavour
Lunch
Drinks go Premium
GLP-1 Effect
Seafood Snacks
Savoury Breakfasts
Real Mexican
Hydration
Source: Specialty Fine Food
💭 The Fork and The Flame
The future of food is a tug of war between craving and conscience.
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About Forks & Founders
We believe bold food brands deserve bold support. That’s why we’ve built a collective of seasoned foodies, retail rebels, creative storytellers, and numbers nerds – people who’ve been in the kitchen, the boardroom, and the shop floor. We jump in where you need us most, helping you turn big ideas into bites people can’t stop talking about. Because building a food brand isn’t just business – it’s passion, flavour, and a little bit of chaos. We’re here to make sure it’s the good kind.
