Placer.ai recently released its list of Top 10 Brands to Watch in 2025, which include its picks for the brands that have the potential to grow significantly in the new year, as well as three brands that have endured challenges but are set to make a comeback.
Amongst that list are five food and beverage brands. Here’s a look at who they are and why they’re on the rise:
Sprouts
The natural and organic supermarket chain’s locations saw visits increase an average of 7.2% year-over-year through 2024, which is above the grocery segment average of 6%. The reason seems to be due to the supermarket chain’s focus on high-quality products and a clear understanding of who it is.
“As a brand, Sprouts has done a nice job building a perception that’s a mix of Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Their pricing has always maintained a feeling of ‘fair’ while their private labels help support their position in the market,” Reilly Newman, brand strategist and founder of Motif Brands, told The Food Institute.
Another savvy business move by Sprouts has been using small-format locations.
“With more people focusing on wellness, Sprouts’ curated selection of low-sodium, gluten-free, sugar-free, keto, and paleo-friendly items meets a growing demand,” said Antoinette M Clay, PR strategist at IMURJ Public Relations. “The shopping experience is streamlined and enjoyable, with a smaller footprint than some competitors, yet few compromises in variety.”
CAVA
The Mediterranean fast-casual chain has seen success in the past several years, due to evolving consumer tastes and the interest in fast food outside of burgers, sandwiches and Mexican.
Part of CAVA’s success is the chain’s innovation, such as early adoption of digital drive-thru lanes, which it implemented before the pandemic, and its use of motion sensors to optimize throughput and staffing during peak lunchtime hours.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
The chicken chain focuses on one thing and does it right in the mind of many consumers. Opening more 100 new stores in 2024 alone, Raising Cane’s has been one of the fastest-growing chains in the QSR segment thanks in part to the popularity of chicken among American consumers, innovative marketing campaigns and strategic site selection.
Rather than relying on discounts or new product launches, Raising Cane’s has relied on operational excellence.
H Mart
What started as a corner grocery store has become an 80-store Asian supermarket chain that attracts customers by selling new brands like Little Jasmine Fruit Teas and offering delicious prepared foods.
H Mart has expanded to staple items and American brands.
Starbucks
The megachain is Placer.ai’s surprise pick, as it did not end 2024 in the best manner in terms of visits. However, a new CEO, Brian Niccol, and continuing to value experience over convenience have made Starbucks a brand to watch in 2025.
Recent Starbucks initiatives, such improved staffing, mobile ordering alignment, and menu simplification, are a reason for the chain’s optimism.
