Combining a love of sales with a deep curiosity about the creation of pet foods that pet parents will want to buy and animals will enjoy is extremely fulfilling, says Sarah Andereck, pet accounts manager at IFF's Ingredients Division. Andereck describes IFF's approach to the priority areas of texture, label claims, protein and efficiency.

Target has opened a concept store in New York City's SoHo neighborhood, emphasizing style and design under incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke's vision. The store features experiential zones such as "Curated By," "The Drop @ Target SoHo" and "Broadway Beauty Bar," as well as a "Gifting Gondola" and selfie checkout.

Kellanova executives predict a shift from modernization to reinvention in 2026, driven by technologies such as agentic AI and connected commerce. The company also highlights the importance of advanced consumer analytics, smart supply chains and sustainable technology, emphasizing the integration of digital and in-store experiences to create a seamless consumer journey.

Outdated legacy systems provide easy access points for adversaries within a factory's network due to poor management and embedded vulnerabilities, says Stefan Braun, chief information security officer at Henkel. Braun recommends implementing tiered visibility models, such as a high-fidelity tier and a passive network tier, in order to improve situational awareness.

McCormick has named black currant as its 2026 Flavor of the Year, predicting the berry will become prominent in US dishes and drinks. The company notes a trend toward "attainable opulence," with consumers seeking small luxuries amid economic challenges. Black currant usage on US menus has increased, particularly in beverages, and McCormick sees potential for the flavor in baked goods and meats.

Three-quarters of US consumers are actively trying to reduce or avoid sugar, according to an International Food Information Council survey, with most opting to limit rather than completely cut out the sweetener. Strategies include choosing water over caloric beverages, which has remained the top choice for the sixth consecutive survey, as well as increased reliance on the Nutrition Facts Panel and labels like "reduced sugar" and "sugar-free." The findings indicate that consumer interest in sugar reduction remains strong, even though overall concern has decreased since its 2015 peak.

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