Gen Z is reshaping campus dining with a sharp tilt toward high‑protein meals, clean ingredients, and functional beverages that promise energy and performance. Yet they still crave customizable indulgence, from dirty sodas to bao buns, creating a complex playbook for operators.
PepsiCo’s snack price cuts may grab headlines, but analysts doubt they’ll meaningfully revive demand in a market shifting toward healthier options. With margins tight and consumers increasingly value driven, rivals may follow, albeit but cautiously.
Super Bowl 60’s priciest ads spotlighted food delivery and beverage giants leveraging celebrity power, light-hearted humor, and emotional storytelling. Budweiser’s patriotic Clydesdale and eagle spot emerged as the industry’s breakout winner among brand strategists.
Operators are gearing up for a high‑stakes Valentine’s weekend as early reservations and shifting consumer behaviors signal strong demand despite economic pressure. Personalization, social listening, and premium takeout emerge as the winning strategies for 2026.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast notes how AI-powered shelf intelligence is becoming grocers’ secret weapon ahead of events like Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day.
The Food Institute editorial team shares their 2026 food industry outlook in the first Food for Thought Leadership episode of the new year.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast notes how 18 states are moving to restrict SNAP purchases – which is likely to result in a complex undertaking for grocers.
PwC’s Alison Furman and Paul Leinwand explain how the era of the GLP-1 is upon us, and how it’s impacting more than just food purchasing.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the latest innovations on display at industry events like CES and the Winter FancyFaire.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on U.S. manufacturing activity and its worrisome decline over the past 10 months.
Foodservice industry veteran John Inwright shares his thoughts on the foodservice industry as 2026 begins.
The Food Institute editorial team shares their 2026 food industry outlook in the first Food for Thought Leadership episode of the new year.
Sabine Schommer and Guido Hentschke explore how ISM, ISM Ingredients, and ProSweets Cologne serve as a meet-up for the snacking industry.
