As we bid farewell to summer and step into September, it’s not just the weather that’s changing. With kids returning to school, freshers heading to university, and the days getting shorter, food and drink trends are shifting too. This month is all about indulging in cozy, feel-good treats and enjoying seasonal favourites, so let’s take a look at some of the trends shaping up September.
Spice Up the Season
This September, some of the biggest names in the food and drink industry introduced exciting new seasonal flavours. Starbucks kicked off the festivities by launching its popular seasonal line up with an array of Pumpkin Spice beverages and its Saled Maple & Caramel Latte. Costa Coffee followed suit, debuting its new Maple Hazel range, alongside hearty treats like the Hog Roast Toastie.
Even iced drink brands are embracing autumn. Jimmy’s Iced Coffee released a delicious Cinnamon Roll flavour, perfectly blending winter comfort with refreshing coolness. And it’s not just coffee brands getting creative – Red Bull is also stepping up with its Winter Edition Iced Vanilla blend, catering to those seeking bold, innovative flavours during the cooler months.
Making the Most of Freshers Season
September marks Freshers’ Week, a time when university students rely heavily on quick meals and takeaways after long days of lectures and socialising, and brands are seizing this opportunity to connect with students.
Domino’s has launched lockable pizza boxes that fit neatly in the fridge, ensuring leftovers are safe from prying roommates—perfect timing with its Fresher’s Week promotions across UK campuses.
Meanwhile, Chicago Town has rolled out a £4.5 million campaign encouraging students to opt for frozen pizza over pricey takeaways. Their push highlights the convenience, affordability, and quality of frozen pizza, targeting a student market that craves easy, affordable meals.
The 9pm Junk Food Blackout
In September, alongside a wave of new food and drink launches, the Labour Party announced a ban on junk food adverts before 9pm, set to take effect next year. This ban will be enforced alongside a total ban on paid online adverts, both aimed at tackling childhood obesity.
So, what does this mean for food and drink brands? Initially, there was industry backlash over the potential economic impact of these restrictions. However, the Food and Drink Federation has since shifted its stance, now expressing willingness to collaborate on reformulating products to comply with the new regulations.
This September also saw a significant policy shift. The Labour Party announced a ban on junk food advertising before 9pm, set to take effect next year, along with a full ban on paid online ads. This move aims to combat childhood obesity but has sparked debate within the food and beverage industry. Initially met with resistance, the Food and Drink Federation now expresses a willingness to reformulate products to meet new standards.
However, discussions around loopholes and creative marketing workarounds are surfacing, as companies prepare for this new advertising landscape. The full impact of these regulations remains to be seen, but it’s clear that brands will need to adapt to the changing rules as we move toward 2025.
Want to find out how your brand can make the most of upcoming food and drink trends? Get in touch at hello@hatch.group to find out more.
