Editor's letter

A warm welcome to the latest edition of Just Food’s digital magazine. 

There’s no question US food groups have been in the political spotlight since President Trump took office for the second time in January. One way the industry has come under scrutiny actually pre-dates Trump’s new term but it has intensified: manufacturers’ use of artificial food additives. 

In this issue’s cover story, we look at how manufacturers, faced with regulatory moves and consumer pressure, are working to change the recipes of some of the country’s best-known products. 

Our In Depth pages also see our US columnist Victor Martino warn those doing business Stateside that 2026 will be a “reset year” for the industry. “Bottom line,” he says, “the industry is becoming more complex, competitive and unforgiving than executives have faced in their careers.”

And we hear four M&A advisers set out what could drive deal-making in the next 12 months. In short: health and wellness will play a central role.

Dean Best, managing editor