Ready-to-bake breakfast: Sweet Loren’s is expanding from cookies into two new refrigerated, 15-minute Oatmeal Bars and Scones (gluten- and dairy-free; no top nine allergens), rolling out nationwide at Target, Wegmans, Harris Teeter and Whole Foods. Private label upgrade: A new take on store brands shows how private label has moved from “cheap” to quality competition, with retailers investing in specialty lines and cleaner positioning. Subscription retail success: Brodo’s NYC takeout “window” pivoted to a nationwide broth subscription, now processing about 10,000 orders a month. Functional drinks launch: Nichols and Myprotein team up for Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water (Vimto and Raspberry Lemon), launching in September 2026 in the UK. Food safety + risk tech: FoodChain ID unveiled an AI risk intelligence platform to connect regulatory, safety, supply chain and customer data for faster decisions. Energy storage for backup power: Belding India launched an indigenously developed Hybrid Battery Energy Storage System that can cut diesel use 40–80% and smooth power for generator-based sites. Fuel rewards at Asda: Asda Rewards adds a £40-in-store rule for 5p/litre coupons at participating forecourts, starting Monday. Consumer health research: A large international study links higher ultraprocessed grain intake with higher inflammatory bowel disease risk, pointing to processing level over the grain itself. AI customer journeys: Adobe data highlights that AI-referred shoppers convert better, but retailers must keep sites fast and relevant to avoid drop-offs. Foldable phone push: HONOR’s Magic V6 leans on AI features plus multitasking tools, with faster charging and a high-end chipset. Geopolitics hits costs: U.S.–Iran escalation is driving oil-price anxiety, with knock-on effects for consumer energy bills and business planning.