News in brief: a round-up of industry stories

We visit different corners of the industry to bring you a selection of stories in bitesize form.

Metabolic Beauty

A key trend in Mintel’s Global Beauty and Personal Care Predictions is Metabolic Beauty, in which skin and hair are increasingly viewed as indicators of overall health. The market intelligence firm notes that while the beauty industry has long operated at the intersection of health and aesthetics, this connection has been more marketing-driven than scientific. “While wellness culture and the concept of prevention have been around for some time, what’s new is the focus on cellular health and the integration of advanced technology,” Mintel says.

It identifies 2026 as a pivotal year for the convergence of beauty and health, driven by growing consumer interest in holistic wellness. Increased accessibility to biomarker testing, metabolic monitoring and bio-intelligent technologies is enabling more tailored solutions for energy, hydration and cellular repair.

“By 2030, skin and hair will be recognized as the body’s most accessible biomarker. Beauty brands will compete with health and wellness providers as trusted gatekeepers of preventative care. Consumers will expect their moisturiser, serum or supplement to act not only as cosmetic enhancers, but also as diagnostic tools that reflect inner health. This shift will reframe the role of beauty from indulgence to insurance: proof-driven, personalised and preventative.”

Cotton Fresh Fabric

Bio-D has introduced a safe and ethical fabric freshening spray to its range of sustainable, plant-based and vegan cleaning products. Cotton Fresh Fabric Refresher leaves fabrics smelling naturally clean by neutralising odours at the source, without using parabens or other harsh chemicals.

Made from biodegradable and sustainably sourced ingredients, the spray’s powerful yet gentle formula is designed to freshen clothes, shoes, upholstery, curtains, carpets, bedding and soft furnishings.

“Life is busy, so eco-conscious choices should be simple to make,” says Bio-D managing director Lloyd Atkin. “That’s why we’re continuing to grow our range to make it easy to buy products that do an excellent job while being kind to people, animals and the world around us. 

“We’ve spent time getting the formula of our Fabric Refresher spray just right. It doesn’t just mask odours, but neutralises them, without compromising on safety and ethics.”

The product is available in two sizes: a consumer size 500ml bottle and a five-litre refill, both of which are recyclable and made from 100% post-consumer plastic. 

Ironing out discomfort

Newly launched BlueIron High Strength Drops deliver 20mg of iron per daily dose (142% of the Reference Daily Intake) in a liquid pipette format, allowing precise and flexible dosing. The formulation uses a patented micro-encapsulated ferric (Fe³⁺) iron, designed for release in the more alkaline environment of the intestine. This targeted release approach supports tolerability and is gentle on the stomach, helping reduce the digestive discomfort sometimes associated with conventional iron supplements.

“We’re seeing a clear shift towards liquid supplements that offer both efficacy and a positive user experience,” explains Emily Garfield, product manager for BlueIron at Lanes Healthcare. “BlueIron High Strength Drops were developed to provide a higher iron intake in a format that is easy to dose, gentle on the stomach and practical for everyday use. This launch allows us to broaden the BlueIron range while addressing a real consumer need for flexibility and tolerability within iron supplementation.”

The product also includes vitamin C for increased iron absorption, and Nordic blueberry juice, harvested in Finland, to provide a natural, pleasant taste.

A boost of blue

Expanding its ‘most scientifically advanced launch in a century’, Weleda is adding a Dark Spot Brightening Serum to its Blue Gentian & Edelweiss Contouring Face Care range in March.

Designed to visibly reduce pigmentation while supporting collagen and overall skin clarity, the lightweight vegan formula targets hyperpigmentation while delivering radiance and long-term skin renewal. Clinical testing shows that 91% of users experienced a reduction in pigment spots, with 88% experiencing a reduction in deep wrinkles after two weeks.

The formulation features hordatines, bioactive compounds derived from barley (Hordeum vulgare) which reduces pigmentation, along with Weleda’s unique Collagen+ Active Complex, which combines sustainably grown blue gentian and edelweiss from the Swiss Alps with Centella Asiatica extract. This plant-based complex has been shown to protect against collagen loss by 50% and increase collagen levels by 60%.

Nourishing organic olive, sacha inchi, sunflower and castor seed oils support skin smoothness and hydration, while mineral pigments help even tone and promote a natural glow. Aloe vera leaf juice provides cooling hydration, olive leaf extract helps protect and smooth, and white mallow soothes sensitive skin.

The serum is scented with natural essential oils of lavender, mandarin and sandalwood.

NATRUE-certified, the serum is packaged in recyclable glass made with 30% recycled material and an outer carton of FSC-certified board.

Fruity duo

UK healthier jam brand Fearne & Rosie is adding two new seedless SKUs to its portfolio. The brand says its Raspberry Seedless Preserve and Strawberry Seedless Preserve are the first reduced sugar seedless range of its kind. Both variants are crafted with 70% fruit (51 raspberries or 31 strawberries) and contain 40% less sugar than standard jams. Made with all natural ingredients, they’re positioned as perfect for stirring into porridge, spreading over toast or spooned into yogurt and sprinkled with granola.

“Launching our new seedless jam range feels like a natural next step for the brand. With no added concentrate and no seeds, we’ve taken two of our flavour favourites and made them seedless, while keeping everything else our customers know and love exactly the same,” says brand founder Rachel Kettlewell.

“The seed debate can divide opinion, so we thought it was time to make sure there was something for everyone. Seedless is 14% of the category and we’re excited to provide a fruit-filled, lower sugar option for consumers. As a brand, we are focused on continuing to bring energy and excitement to the category by offering delicious, ‘better-for-you’ choices, and the Seedless launch presents an exciting range extension opportunity for us.”

Artisan in a can

Potts’ Partnership is relaunching its chef-prepared sauce range in recyclable aluminium cans in 2026, extending the packaging format it introduced across its stocks and gravies in 2020.

The family-owned business says the move reflects its long-standing sustainability commitment and follows strong performance from its existing aluminium-packaged products. The updated range features new designs by branding agency This Way Up, inspired by global cuisines including Indian, Mediterranean, South American and South East Asian.

The sauces include Keralan Curry, Mexican Enchilada Mole, Japanese Katsu Curry, Ragu Alla Calabrese, Creamy Mushroom Sauce with Porcini Mushroom & Truffle, Thai Red Curry and Neopolitan Puttanesca.

Company spokesperson Ian Butt comments: “Sustainable thinking is a key strand of this Wiltshire business’s wider range agenda as growing numbers of shoppers seek to anchor their food choices responsibly, while at the same time craving a generous dash of theatre within the top-drawer cooking sauce fixture.”

Potts’ Partnership says the relaunch is part of a broader shift towards more premium, chef-led cooking sauces in the ambient category.